In a commitment to fostering a safer society, Keready, a youth-led health movement, is dedicating its efforts to help eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) during the upcoming 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign.
The campaign is a United Nations global initiative that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Throughout the year Keready is actively engaged in educational campaigns designed to equip the youth, more especially young men, with the knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the lifelong negative effects that GBV does have on the victims.
Dr. Dineo Sefoloko, a passionate young doctor overseeing mobile clinics in the Durban-region, emphasises the significance of prioritising love, happiness, health and safety. She remarks, “South Africa has one of the highest rates of GBV in the world. Let’s unite to halt violence, curb the spread of disease, and eliminate any behaviour that poses harm to ourselves or others. It’s crucial to reflect on what truly matters: our health and wellness.”
Keready is able to do this through community events, and social media campaigns, as well as providing direct support for GBV victims.
With its 46 mobile clinics, run by teams consisting of nurses, drivers, mobilisers, and communicators and led by ten young doctors, Keready is actively engaging throughout the year in educational initiatives designed to equip young minds with the knowledge and awareness necessary to identify, prevent, and combat gender-based violence.
“We wish to get to the root causes of GBV with ambitious intentions to create awareness and behavioural change interventions towards a safer community for all. By being in the communities with our mobile clinics every day, we are often the first point of contact to come across these cases and we want to play an important role in referring people,”says young doctor Dr. James Menyah-Artivor, overseeing mobile clinics in Gauteng.
As the 16 Days of Activism unfolds, Keready extends and seeks to partner with individuals, communities, and like-minded organisations who share the urgency to address challenges associated with GBV. By nurturing awareness, implementing impactful interventions, and championing a culture of equality, Keready aims to act as a catalyst for positive change throughout this campaign. This commitment is evident not only through the presence of their mobile clinics on the ground but also in their weekly community radio chats and across their social media platforms, including @kereadysa, and their 24/7 WhatsApp line: 060 019 0000.
Photo 1: Dr Dineo Sefokolo, Nosipho Khuzwayo – Mobiliser, Minenhle Mseleku – mobiliser, Pam Ngwenya – communicator, Sinegugu Ntsibande – mobiliser, Kholeka Ncokazi – nurse, Zanele Sithole – nurse, Thabiso Khuzwayo – Mobiliser, Mdu Ngxongo – driver
Photo 2: Nosipho Khuzwayo – Mobiliser, Minenhle Mseleku – mobiliser, Sinegugu Ntsibande – mobiliser, Kholeka Ncokazi – nurse, Thabiso Khuzwayo – Mobiliser, Zanele Sithole – nurse, Dineo Sefokolo, Pam Ngwenya – communicator, Mdu Ngxongo – driver
