By Sibusiso Khanye
On March 15, 2025, Daveyton Mall hosted the Empower Women Event, focusing on Gender-Based Violence (GBV). While GBV is often highlighted only during the annual 16 Days of Activism, the mall aimed to shift this narrative—creating a safe space where women can seek support, whether they are victims or survivors.
One of the key initiatives introduced at the event was safety community alarms—devices designed to automatically alert the police with the user’s details in case of an emergency.
Women from various sectors participated in discussions on critical issues affecting them. These conversations proved to be both insightful and empowering, allowing attendees to share their experiences and support one another.
Angel Maswangari, from Memeza Community Safety, expressed her gratitude for being part of the dialogue:
“GBV is a universal issue. It does not only affect women and children—men experience it too, and we do not disregard them. However, the focus today is on women because it is their month.”
Gogo Elizabeth Motha, representing the THO Traditional Healers Organization, highlighted the widespread nature of GBV:
“GBV is not just limited to homes; it happens everywhere—at workplaces, in private, and in public spaces. As a traditional healer, I want to shed light on the fact that even in our profession, we experience GBV, yet no one talks about it.”
The Empower Women Event successfully fostered a platform for open dialogue, support, and actionable solutions—ensuring that conversations around GBV continue beyond just 16 days of activism.
