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The harrowing cause that has brought many South Africans to their knees has not been forgotten this week. Capetonians and South Africans continue their efforts to curb the violence that is dominating our community and singling out our women.

A 1999 video featuring South African actress Charlize Theron to raise awareness on gender-based violence has recently gone viral again. The video was banned when it was first released and has made many realise that gender-based violence has been ignored for far too long.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has established the Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship for Women in Uyinene’s name and honour. Speaking at the funeral of Mrwetyana in East London over the weekend, UCT vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng announced that the they have already begun receiving funds, and the first student to receive the scholarship will begin in 2020.

“Through this scholarship we would like to provide opportunities to other young women like Uyinene, who dream of a career within the discipline of humanities. Each time the scholarship is awarded will be a reminder the tragic circumstances under which Uyinene’s life was taken,” Phakeng also said.

A petition to declare gender-based violence a state of emergency in South Africa is still going strong this week with nearly 500 000 signatures and counting.

A march to Parliament to end gender-based violence will be taking place this September 21, 2019 and all those who wish to join the fight are encouraged to attend.

Locals can take part in the Lion’s Head Hike for Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust taking place on September 29, 2019 to show their support for the cause. Residents are encouraged to take part and donate towards the trust although the event itself is free.

A number of Facebook groups have been established where women can share their thoughts and interact with other women on the topic of gender-based violence. We can recommend The Official 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign. Here women can keep themselves up-to-date with international happenings and events with regards to the movement against gender-based violence.

This cause is not one for women alone. A Facebook group called #JustMen has been created for men to join the conversation and address how they can take the toxic masculinity issue in South Africa into their own hands and change the future of our country.

If you’re feeling unsafe as a woman, a new policy at a number of Cape Town restaurants is allowing local women to “come in” as they wait for their Uber or simply to feel safer whether you are buying something or not. Apps such as Life360 will let your loved ones know where you are at all times and Namola acts as a panic button and ensures that you receive help quickly in the case of an emergency or attack.

As the struggle against gender-based violence continues, let us not forget those who have lost their lives at the hands of men, and let us continue to fight so no one else has to lose a friend, daughter, wife, sister or mother to senseless violence ever again.

Rape Crisis Trust Details:

Their helpline operates twenty hour hours a day, seven days a week, offering counselling and advice about the next step.

Call 021 447 9762

Please CLICK HERE for help with frequently asked questions regarding rape as well as contact details for areas across the Cape where you can receive assistance.

Those in need of a safe space to escape to can visit The Jones Safe House in Kommetjie. If this is not close, a list of facilities that can offer safe haven can be found HERE.

Also Read:

Lady of Black River in mourning.

Artist paints emotional tribute to Uyinene.

Picture: Pexels

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