The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing will be conducting a gender-based violence (GBV) public health awareness campaign in five identified villages around Mahikeng.

Nursing students and lecturers, together with the local South African Police Service (SAPS), GBV activists and Mahikeng community leaders, will carry out the door-to-door campaign from 5 to 10 October.

The main aim of this engagement is to reduce and prevent the prevalence of GBV in these communities.

Boitumelo Molato, a lecturer in general nursing science, says according to the local SAPS, the majority of GBV cases are reported in the villages Motlhabeng, Ramosadi, Mocoseng, Magogwe and Seweding. 

“Government cannot deal with the scourge of violence directed at women and children alone. True to the NWU’s ethic of care, we need to join hands to assist the government in this endeavor,” adds Boitumelo.

“The campaign will consist of various activities, including SAPS information sessions on the procedures to follow when exposed to GBV, talks by GBV activists, screening for non-communicable diseases and career guidance on nursing-related careers,” says Boitumelo.