Gift of the Givers and SAPS Launch Gender-Based Violence Campaign in Garden Route

The fight against gender-based violence (GBV) took centre stage along South Africa’s Garden Route this week, as Gift of the Givers joined forces with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to launch a wide-reaching campaign in honour of Women’s Month.

With GBV cases continuing to rise and many survivors still too afraid to speak out, the initiative aims to provide both practical support and a message of solidarity to women across the region.

A Campaign of Hope and Action

Speaking at the launch, Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said the campaign is about “breaking the silence” around GBV and empowering women in vulnerable communities.

The campaign began on Monday, August 18, across five SAPS stations and will expand to towns including Ladysmith, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Uniondale, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Riversdale, and Heidelberg.

As part of the rollout:

• 2,500 dignity packs will be distributed to women in need.

• Sanitary towels will be delivered to 41 schools across the district.

• Community awareness programmes will be hosted to educate and empower residents about GBV and available support.

Women Leading the Way

On Tuesday, the campaign made a powerful statement with an all-women’s roadblock. Female SAPS officers, together with volunteers, stopped motorists along the Garden Route, using the opportunity to raise awareness about GBV. They handed out small tokens of appreciation to women drivers a symbolic gesture underscoring the themes of recognition and solidarity.

Sablay described the initiative as more than just a campaign, saying:

“This campaign symbolises hope, safety, and solidarity painting the Garden Route green, blue, and pink in support of women everywhere.”

A Timely Intervention

The campaign comes at a critical time. Gender-based violence remains one of South Africa’s most pressing social crises, with women across rural and urban communities alike bearing the brunt of systemic violence. The partnership between a humanitarian organisation and law enforcement is being seen as a much-needed step towards bridging gaps in support services.

Local community leaders have welcomed the move, stressing that partnerships of this kind can help rebuild trust in institutions and provide women with the courage to report abuse.

{Source: IOL}

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