What can be achieved in 16 days
Aspire Solutions, determined to play its part to stop gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, participated in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign. Aspire Solutions business director, Mushfiqoh Samodien steered this United Nations initiative.
During the first three weeks of lockdown, most of the country took refuge from the coronavirus pandemic in their homes. But home was the least safe place for many women. The government’s 24-hour GBV and femicide command center recorded more than 120,000 victims in the same period.
“We all have a role to play in fighting gender-based violence in our communities,” says Samodien.
Aspire Solutions joined government, civil society and the private sector in hosting a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with GBV.
The Campaign raised awareness of GBV during the 16 days, with Samodien doing interviews across various social media and national media platforms, including Heart FM. The campaign engaged the topic and showed support to victims via live online dialogues with legal practitioner and activists.
Together with MANCOSA, Aspire Solutions raised a total of R30 000. The Aspire Solutions’ 16 Days of Activism Campaign donated the funds to three non-profit organisations: Womandla Foundation, RB6 Foundation and Little Brinks.
Womandla Foundation’s (www.womandla.com) sanitary towel programme is helping to fund a service of dignity to many women in need. The RB6 Foundation (www.rb6.co.za) is a football school that uplifts communities by making healthy citizens of our women and men through sport and education. The third beneficiary, Little Brinks (www.littlebrinks.co.za) runs feeding programs for crèches and helps children get enrolled into schools.
While the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign may be over, Aspire Solutions encourages South Africans to continue taking a stand against GBV.
“You too can be a GBV activist in your home, community and work place”, concludes Samodien.