The direct translation of the shelter’s name is “to help each other” and that is what the department aims for the shelter will do for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide. The departmental spokesperson, Lindiwe Mnguni, states that the launch of the shelter will also feature an awareness campaign against GBV. The department will work hand in hand with their social workers and police stations in the areas so that the shelter can be utilised for the purpose it was established for. “When a case of GBV is opened at the police station, the police officers will call one of our social workers so that the successful placement of the victim at a shelter can take place,” she says.

As Wednesday 31 August is International Drug Overdose Day, the department will feature it in their campaign for the day. The reason to merge the two into one is that they have noticed there is a link between drug abuse and GBV. “Some of the victims’ perpetrators are drug abusers, so at the launch, we will get to hear from someone who has been rehabilitated, about how it is to overcome being violent and being free from drugs,” adds Mnguni. The survivors of GBV will also be given a chance to give their side of the story at Wednesday’s launch. The launch will also focus on giving parents of children who have overdosed on drugs a platform to talk about their journey.

“To GBV victims, we understand it is not easy to leave an abusive home, however, we encourage you to come to our offices and we can talk. That will be the first step of leaving,” she further adds. Mnguni explains that at their offices they have social workers who will help GBV victims with steps on how justice can be brought upon perpetrators.

The Eastern Free State has also seen the department celebrating women’s successes as part of Women’s Month. When looking back on the celebration that was held in Qwaqwa, Mnguni explains that the day was just to focus on celebrating women's empowerment, which she says can be defined as “multi-dimensional social progress that helps people gain control over their own lives”.

At the event, steps that foster power in women and provide a better comprehension to deal with community, family and work challenges were shared. Spiritual empowerment was mentioned as a way to gain strength when matters of life challenge one. “Self-awareness and spiritual empowerment hold the key to freedom and raising your status,” she concludes.

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