Female staff members of the Amathole and Buffalo City education department marched to the East London City Hall to raise awareness on issues facing women.
The march was came as part of a build-up campaign against gender-based violence.
Special programmes directorate assistant director Nobuhle Kupa said the march fell in line with the late Albertina Sisulu’s centenary year.
“It is Women’s Month and we came together to stand against any form of violence against women,” she said.
The march was aimed at taking a stand against the continued violation of women’s rights, the abuse of women, the killing of women by their husbands and partners, and the rape of women, grandmothers and young girls.
To highlight the importance of the day, there were sessions were held to inform the marchers about legislation promoting and protecting women’s rights, as well as a dialogue meant to create a platform for exchange of ideas on matters affecting women in the sector.
At the end of the march, the women handed over a petition of demands at the City Hall.
Among their demands were: speedy finalisation of police and court cases involving women, the elderly and children; no bail for abusers or killers; as well as enforcement of liquor regulations and municipal bylaws regulating the sale selling of liquor to underage children.
The petition was signed by all the women who participated in the march women who marched and was received by Buffalo City Municipality council’s chief whip, Mzwandile Vaaiboom.
