Chrysalis, Western Cape Government Take Stand Against GBV | Western Cape Government

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Chrysalis, Western Cape Government Take Stand Against GBV

12 November 2019

On Saturday 9 November 2019, the Western Cape Government, through the Western Cape on Wellness (WOW) and the Chrysalis Youth Academy, hosted a walk against gender-based violence. Starting at Green Point Lighthouse, the walk lasted 2 hours and participants donned black t-shirts and white ribbons to commemorate victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

Chrysalis is a Western Cape Government initiative, established in 2000. Chrysalis is regarded as a flagship project in youth development.  It runs a three-month residential programme for youth aged 18 – 25 from across the Western Cape. It aims to instill personal mastery, greater resilience, an enhanced skill set and access to a range of further learning opportunities including a 12-month work placement to acquire work experience. 

Minister Fritz said, “The significance of Saturday’s walk is that the Bravo 19 Chrysalis women could ‘raise their voices so that those without a voice can be heard’. This powerful walk demonstrated both the resilience and strength of the women in our society and the life changing work that Chrysalis Youth Academy, under the leadership of Dr Lucille Meyer, does in uplifting our youth. To find out more about Chrysalis and enrolment, you can email info@chrysalisacademy.org.za or call 021 712 1023.”

Minister Fritz added, "I commend all involved in yesterday's walk and look forward to attending the graduation of the Bravo 19 women who participated in the walk later this month. I would like to thank all involved for helping us to Create a Culture of Wellness Together!”

Minister Sharna Fernandez said, “I’m remarkably proud of the Chrysalis Youth Academy and I wish to commend them for raising their voices and saying that #EnoughIsEnough. We need the whole of society to come together to ultimately address gender based violence. Our nation has the legislation and institutions to support the empowerment of women, promote gender equality and oppose oppression and all forms of violence against females. Yet, horrific acts of violence continue to be experienced by women on a daily basis.”

DSD, through its Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), is responsible for providing victim support services that include safe and secure accommodation, psycho-social support and empowerment of victims of crime and violence. The programme also focuses  on victim-centered approach to crime and strives towards developing knowledge of victim issues, strengthening resources, addressing needs of the victims, and especially the prevention of secondary victimisation. The VEP Budget for 2019/2020 is R 46 052 million.

“Our Department remains committed to gender-equality and the empowerment of women, which can only be achieved through collaborated efforts, involving various stakeholders in society,” said Minister Fernandez.