“You not only keep the peace but go out of your way to keep everyone safe, and for that we owe you a great deal of gratitude.”
Quite fittingly, Women’s Month kicked off on the 1st of August with Executive Mayor Dr Annelie Rabie welcoming a whole contingent of uniformed women to a special event held in their honour in the Hermanus Auditorium.
Organised by Overstrand Protection Services, female officers representing the SAPS, Correctional Services, Community Policing Forum, Emergency Medical Services and Provincial Road Safety as well as representatives from several government departments and NGOs such as Women in Action attended the event.
In her opening address, Mayor Rabie stated unequivocally that “society should be proud of and respect our women in uniform and value the hard work they do. They are there to help keep the peace and to ensure that everyone, but especially our women and children, are kept safe and sound in communities that show respect for the law and one another.
“We owe it to them to join hands in the fight against gender-based violence, child abuse and neglect and to seek justice for those who fall victim to these horrific crimes.
“If you suspect that a woman or child is being abused, mistreated or neglected, don’t keep quiet: Report your suspicions to one of our law enforcement agencies immediately. If you keep quiet, you are not only forsaking the victim, you are also strengthening the hand of the perpetrator. And that in itself is a crime.
“The women present here today are themselves wives, mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins and nieces. In short, they understand the challenges women face on a daily basis and, as our “colleagues” in the fight against crime, are there to ensure that women are shown the respect they deserve everyday of the year, not just during August.
“And on this, the first day of Women’s Month 2022, my message to every woman out there is this: Take control, take pride in yourself and your contribution to society, and never apologise for who you are. You are just as worthy of respect as every other citizen in this country.”
