As part of the National Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM 2015) and 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, will on 21 November 2015 join thousands of sisters and misters who will unite at Steyn City Estate in Fourways for the 10th annual 1st for Women Sisters with Blisters protest walk with Jacaranda FM.
This walk for a cause attracts over 5000 participants each year and marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children campaign. The aim of the walk is to get Gauteng to take a firm and unified stand against women and child abuse.
Robyn Farrell, Executive Head of 1st for Women Insurance says, “The theme of Sisters with Blisters 2015 is Heel to Heal and although we don’t expect all participants to march in high heels, we do expect to heal many lives as proceeds of Sisters with Blisters will go to Women and Men against Child Abuse and the Department of Social Development’s White Door Centre of Hope. We also hope that through Sisters with Blisters we can inspire those affected by gender-based violence to seek help. We want to give women the confidence to change their lives for the better.”
White Door Centres of Hope serve as temporary shelters which provide accommodation and other basic needs such as food, clothing as well as counselling and psychosocial support to abused women. The centres further protect women from secondary abuse.
As the department launches these centres around the country, our work embraces and promotes the rights of vulnerable women and their children, with a special focus to victims of gender based violence.
The toll free number to call is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling. Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
The GBV Command Centre is also able to refer cases directly to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Sisters with Blisters is about creating awareness regarding a serious social issue. It gives men, woman and children the courage to speak out, be heard and change their situation positively. As a station we’re very proud of this initiative, and we're encouraging people to tell their stories. That’s the reason why we’ve chosen our very own Cassy Clarke to share her story which will hopefully inspire others to share theirs with confidence to change their circumstances,” says Kevin Fine, General Manager of Jacaranda FM.
Registration for Sisters with Blisters 2015 opens on 17 October 2015. Tickets can be purchased via www.jacarandafm.com
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Walk scheduled as follows:
Date: Saturday, 21 November 2015
Time: 8h00
Venue: Steyn City, Fourways, Johannesburg
Media can RSVP by contacting Jaconia Kobue on 073 026 1111 / jaconiak@dsd.gov.za or Justice Ditshego on 079 4977426/ justiced@dsd.gov.za
Media inquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
