Get Guardian on GoogleA non-profit organisation, Sonke Gender Justice has called for collective community support for those staying home to keep safe and also keep watch on their neighbours’ safety. The group lamented the increase of gender-based violence during the pandemic, noting that the restriction on movement has increased the number of women and girls facing abuse.
Sonke Communications and Strategic Information Unit Manager, Given Sigauqwe said unwatched and unchecked women, children and other vulnerable groups are finding themselves at the mercy of their abusers during the lockdown. “This is not the time to be quiet. We must be loud enough to make a difference to those who are impacted by domestic violence. To greatly reduce the frequency and severity of domestic violence attacks in this period we need to call on neighbours to help protect each other. As neighbors we need to stop outsourcing our role in the fight against GBV, this is why Sonke is launching its #SPEAKOUT campaign,” she said.
“Everyone is someone’s neighbour, and if every neighbour speaks out for the survival of its community, our chances will be greatly improved at limiting violence, especially children who are most vulnerable.”
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