PIENAAR – In a bold show of solidarity, local taxi operators from the Topstar Taxi Association donned women’s clothing and brought the Emoyeni Mall Taxi Rank to a standstill with their vibrant outfits on Friday, August 29, all in the spirit of celebrating Women’s Month and tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) against women.
The taxi operators, often criticised for violating women, sought to change this perception with their bold gesture, demonstrating appreciation for women and promoting a positive image.
As part of the initiative, they donated sanitary towels to those in need, further demonstrating their support for women. “Through this gender-switch initiative, we want to send a strong message that GBV will not be tolerated in our community, women deserve to live free from violence and fear,” they stated.
Top Star Taxi Association Chairman, John Mavundla, emphasised, “We should stand up against gender-based violence. We must take action and protect our women and children. Today, we want to remind women that they are powerful and deserve to be treated well.”
The drivers’ sentiments were echoed by Muzi Sibeko, who said, “We decided to honor women and celebrate them in style, but the real purpose is to raise awareness of GBV. With women and children facing abuse every day, we’re calling on men to take a stand and end the violence.”
Nkosinathi Khoza, another driver, added, “Wearing women’s clothes gave us a glimpse into their experiences, and it’s a wake-up call for us to be more empathetic and supportive. We want to show women that we love and appreciate them.”
The initiative has sparked conversations and raised awareness about GBV in the community, inspiring others to join the fight against this social scourge.
