11/12/2025
Community Dialogue/Imbizo on Ending GBVF, R**e & Gangsterism- A Powerful Gathering
On 10 December, our community came together across generations, youth, mothers, and our grandmothers for an honest and courageous dialogue on the violence affecting our lives and communities. We had hoped for 100 people but even more came, filling the space with commitment and determination. And not a single person left, which was proof that our communities are hungry for spaces that build, connect, and imagine safety together.
We hosted an engaging imbizo with panelists reflecting on how the pillars of our society; the state, the church, policing, education, and civil society can work with communities to confront GBVF, r**e, and rising gangsterism.
Our councillor was challenged by residents who demanded accountability and action. She committed to strengthening partnerships with civil society organisations in her ward and beyond, building a bridge between politicians who want real change and the communities they serve.
This space affirmed what we know deeply: 1in9 is committed to rebuilding our communities, brick by brick, conversation by conversation. This is one of the ways we will stop violence on our bodies, by creating spaces where women’s voices lead and where communities define their own safety.
We know the criminal justice system is flawed and biased against women and the poor. It will not hand us justice on its own. But we will continue holding it accountable, demanding transformation, and importantly, building new ways of prevention so that one day we can move from constant response to true safety.
Because when women are safe, we will no longer need to respond to violence. We will simply live.
Thank you to every person who attended, shared, held space, and stayed until the end. The work continues, and we continue together. Gender Links
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