'This is not normal' says Callas Foundation at peaceful protest against gender-based violence
Pictured is Callas Foundation founder and director Caroline Peters at the peaceful march on Friday November 21.
Image: Supplied
The Callas Foundation held a peaceful demonstration this morning, Friday November 21, at the corner of Blossom Street and Klipfontein Road as part of the national shutdown against gender-based violence (GBV).
First responders, community members, and shelter employees joined together to demand safety, dignity, and justice for women and children.
The demonstration reflects the foundation’s ongoing work - supporting survivors, raising awareness, and challenging the violence that continues to affect communities. Their action marks another step in their mission to create safer spaces for all, said founder and director Caroline Peters.
The Callas Foundation held a peaceful demonstration this morning at the corner of Blossom Street and Klipfontein Road as part of the national shutdown against gender-based violence.
Image: Supplied
Ms Peters led the march, saying GBV has reached crisis levels and requires immediate government intervention.
“Every day, women, girls, and LGBTQ+ persons face violence in their homes, public spaces, workplaces, and schools. This is not normal and it must never be accepted,” Ms Peters said. She stressed that declaring GBV a national disaster would force authorities to prioritise strategic and well-resourced responses.
Among the marchers was Shamiso, who did not want to share her surname, from Langa. She said she joined after hearing about a woman who was raped and killed. “She didn’t get a chance to live. Now I’m here to stand against gender-based violence. We will never stop fighting. We are here to end it,” she said.
Major Magdeline Phore, shelter manager at the Salvation Army, spoke about her involvement in an internationally supported GBV pilot project. She said movements like the national shutdown show communities are no longer willing to remain silent.
“Today, our voices are being heard. There is hope, and that hope is enough for today,” she said. She called on the community to unite in saying enough to pain, fear, and the normalisation of violence. “Survivors are our heroes, and we are going to embrace them.”
The Callas Foundation will also hold its annual peaceful protest on Friday, November 28, from 4pm to 6pm at the corner of Klipfontein and Thornton Roads in Athlone.
For more information, contact Callas Foundation via email at admin@callasfoundation.org.za or call them on 072 539 5113.