While the 16 days of activism against abuse of women and children have observed been in all walks of life, women and children have spoken: "This is my body, real man don´t rape!"

Children and women from the Dzata drop-in centre, Tshavhalovhedzi drop-in centre and Tshithuthuni held a fun walk from Siloam Hospital to Mphephu Resort last Friday, to observe 16 days of activism against women and children abuse.

Siloam SAPS Station Commissioner Sr Supt Ronnie van Niekerk said that violence against children has reached an alarming stage, adding that people should learn to respect life. "You should avoid going out to entertainment places alone, and if you happen to go out during the night, make sure you travel in groups." He added that women and children should break the silence and speak out about physical and psychological abuse.

Ward 30 councillor Dina Ramudzuli told children to be extra carefully during the festive season and avoid situations where they can be abused. "You should avoid finding yourself alone with strangers at all cost," said Ramudzuli.

Meanwhile, Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment held a fun walk and soccer tournament for elders at the Lunungwi Soccer Ground last Wednesday. Elders got a chance to showcase their soccer skills in front of their grandchildren.

Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Senior Legal Officer Tshilidzi Masikhwa urged all men from every walk of life to love and protect their children and women not only for 16 days. He added that they would run the programme until next year.