Brand South Africa has entered into a partnership with People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) to host a dialogue aimed at assisting South African women to use their voice and their strength by speaking up against all forms of gender-based violence. Other partners include Soul City Institute, Gauteng Office of the Premier, and Gauteng Department of Community Safety.
The dialogue will take place on Thursday, 12 November 2020, 11:30 to 13:30 on the Zoom Application (ID: 4824493974, Passcode: 20201) ahead of the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, a United Nations campaign that takes place annually starting 25 November.
Panellists include:
- Ms Thulisile Manzini, Chief Executive Officer (Acting), Brand South Africa
- Ms Merita Ground, Provincial Coordinator: GBVF, Gauteng Department of Community Safety
- Ms Mary Makgaba, Executive Director, People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA)
- Ms Ms. Ntombikayise Shangase – Zulu, Chief Director, Transformation, Gauteng Office of the Premier
- Ms. Phinah Kodisang, Chief Executive, Soul City Institute
Moderator:
- Ms Unati Speirs (PhD Candidate) POWA Beneficiary
“As the Nation Brand custodian, it is important that we contribute to discourses on societal issues and engage the South African public to eliminate societal ills and in so doing, contribute to nation building. The partnership with POWA enables us to address the worrying issue of gender-based violence and femicides. Members of the public can look forward to engaging and being empowered by experts panellists who will provide them with information and resources to help combat the scourge of gender-based violence’’ says Pumeza Ceza, Brand South Africa’s Stakeholder Relations Manager: Civil Society Projects.
The discussions will cover the following topics:
- Violence during the Covid-19 lockdown.
- Emerging data and mechanisms for reporting gender-based violence.
- The loss of basic necessities such as food and shelter.
- Case management and representation in courts of law
- Improving and protecting women and children from gender-based abuse.
- Empowering women in abusive situations
This discussion will contribute to the broader discourse as we prepare for the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.
POWA has also partnered with Joko Tea to enable the work on gender based violence to gain support from the South African community, and Joko Tea will be distributing hampers to affected communities as part of their efforts to support the initiative.
