Most of us associate alcohol with celebration and good times but unfortunately, violence against women can be related to the irresponsible use of it.

Several studies from low- and middle-income countries show that men who abuse alcohol are 1.6 to 4.8 times more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence than men who do not misuse it. By identifying the social, cultural and economic factors that influence such violence, it is possible to predict its occurrence and understand how to prevent it.

On December 9, Johnnie Walker in partnership with People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa), Million Men March, Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre and Lifeline held a rally in support of an abuse-free society. The aim was to pledge to do what they can to eradicate the causes and effects of women and children abuse for not only 16 Days of Activism (the national campaign aimed at raising awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse has on women and children and to eradicate abuse), but for all 365 days of the year.

This was not your average rally or march, however. By way of launching the year-long #strideforgood campaign, 365 six Foot-tall, striding men figures modelled from the iconic Johnnie Walker logo, were positioned on the Nelson Mandela bridge.

Attended by activist, rape survivor and Khumbul’ekhaya host Andile Gaelesiwe, actress,Letoya Makhene & DDG Shoki Tshabalala among others, a cheque for R1 million rand was handed over to various NGOs who work in the space.