Lavender Hill community stands united against gender-based violence

Rise Above Development (RAD) youth centre in Lavender Hill hosted a community shutdown today, Friday, November 21, in support of the national call to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), where residents and partner organisations gathered dressed in black to honour victims and "demand meaningful action."

Adele Campbell, general manager, Malany Meyer, centre manager, and Jamie-Lee Davids, centre administrator at RAD gathered with NPOs, community leaders, staff, volunteers, and young women from the area.

“Together, we formed a united front against the ongoing violence faced by women across the country,” said Ms Meyer. “The gathering carried a strong message of strength, remembrance, and collective responsibility, echoing the national movement.”

Speaker Mary Bam, from the non-profit organisation Survivors, encouraged women to stand up and speak out.

Ms Meyer said that RAD reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing community advocacy, support programmes, and raising awareness around GBVF.