With ribbons and rocks, this past weekend, women remembered those who have lost their lives to gender-based violence.
South African Women Fight Back held the ceremony at Ribbon Gate at Lower Tokai Forest.
The women tied ribbons to the gate and placed painted rocks bearing the names of victims.
Chavonne Ray, from South African Women Fight Back, said the ceremony reminded women they had a duty to become the voices of those who had lost their lives at the hands of men.
SA Women Fight Back was formed in August in response to the country’s high levels of violence against women.
They lobby, influence and hold government and other authorities accountable for safety, empowerment, equality and justice.
The organisation’s Facebook group has more than 239 000 members.
At the demonstration on Saturday, the women were joined by police officers, Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch members and representatives of a private security firm.
SA Women Fight Back plans to hold another demonstration on Friday November 29 as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.
“On Black Friday, we will rise again, join hands across our beautiful country and roar!” said Ms Ray.
Women from all over the country will be taking part in this demonstration.
The group has started a Christmas Pamper Pack Project to provide necessities to women and children in shelters and safe houses for Christmas.
They are asking people to donate packs in reusable shopping bags and include things like face cloths, body wash, panties, body lotion, make-up accessories, deodorant, sanitary pads/tampons, toothbrushes and toothpaste and
non -perishable snacks.
“The reason we are calling them pamper packs is because we would like to add the items on our lists that make the women and children who receive these packs feel special and even a little pampered. But we do not want to detract from the essential items that we have requested as well,” said Ms Ray.
Visit the Facebook group SA Women Fight Back for more information.
