‘The peace March was held to take a stand against gender-based violence but also to spotlight the importance of women and the girl-child in society,’ said Mr Mthobisi Shwabede, CEO for Edgewood’s CDA.

Education staff together with more than 500 students marched from the Ekhwezi Car Park to the Ellen Kuzwayo Building. ‘We chose to end the march at this building because it is named after one of the most dedicated educationists involved in uplifting women,’ explained Dladla.

Dladla, who spoke on ‘women in leadership’, shared her own experiences of being a woman leader and encouraged women to take on leadership roles because ‘it is not something that is impossible for women’.

Paying homage to women, CDA member Mr Bukhosi Mchunu wore high-heels throughout the march, ‘By wearing heels for this march, it was my own way of showing respect to all women and to experience some of the things they go through in their daily lives. It was not easy for me to be in heels for such a long distance, but I did realise that women deserve recognition for all that they do,’ he added.

Dean and Head of the School of Education Professor Thabo Msibi highlighted the importance of women, emphasising ‘that violence against women will end – as the School of Education we will not tolerate it.’

Said lecturer Professor Shakila Singh: ‘Everyone within the UKZN community must be treated equally regardless of gender or sexuality.’