The United Nations marked the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence from November 25 to December 10, 2021. We at Cape {town} Etc will be using our platform to raise awareness over this period.
“Gender-based violence and femicide is not a secondary priority. It is not a women’s issue. Gender-based violence is overwhelmingly and unequivocally a human rights issue.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Should you wish to contribute, share your story, advise or educate, kindly send us an email at [email protected].
Day 8: These voices stand up against gender-based violence, support them
The Justice Desk:
The Justice Desk (TJD), an award-winning South African human rights non-profit organisation, has launched an awareness campaign as part of 16 Days of Activism, which features “16 voices for 16 Days!” And we’re calling on our community to support them.
As an organisation that focuses on “Promoting the Power of Everyday Activists”, TJD believes in the power of ordinary people to effect impactful and lasting change in their communities.
TJD’s campaign will feature and amplify the thoughts, reflections, voices and suggestions of incredible individuals on their website and through their various social media platforms throughout 16 Days of Activism.
The 16 voices are made up of representatives from NPO organisations and foundations such as the Kolisi Foundation, SaHarvest, The Embrace Project, Women Lead Movement, Langa for Men, The Uyinene Foundation and Girls against Oppression.
The voices of well-known celebrities such as Zolani Mahola, and TJD’s Goodwill Ambassadors Marco Spaumer and Craig Lucas will also be featured, as well as The Waterfront and notable business leaders such as Jon-Foster Pedley and Pumela Salela. Various community activists from Justice Desk projects such as girl survivors of rape and young boys actively fighting against GBV will also be featured.
During this period, the 16 chosen voices will be taking on the role of thought-leaders in the GBV space, ultimately discussing the ongoing gender-based violence crisis our country is facing, how action must be taken, how activism can be used as a tool for change, as well as other suggestions for how we can successfully combat gender-based violence in our lifetime.
“Challenging gender-based violence is a collective fight. There are so many incredible people who have a voice and a way forward and we must listen. We can no longer work in silos, but must be encouraged to share our ideas, passions and plans of action” says Jessica Dewhurst, the CEO of The Justice Desk.
Through this campaign, The Justice Desk not only seeks to raise awareness of our GBV crisis but also hopes to bring people together, inspiring one another to recognise the incredible power that South Africans have when we come together for change.
By amplifying these 16 remarkable leaders, they hope to inspire others in contributing their own thoughts and voices, uniting in solidarity and raising awareness to the important fight against gender-based violence.
“It is not the job of just some of us to end gender-based violence, it is the job of all of us – and we cannot be successful unless we all play our part, not just during these 16 Days of Activism, but 365-days a year!” continues Dewhurst.
From the start this period (and beyond), support The Justice Desk and their “16 Voices in 16 Days Campaign” which will raise vital awareness towards combating gender-based violence, but most importantly, inspire others to know that they too can be a part of the change.
Donate to support The Justice Desk
Partnering with BackaBuddy, The Justice Desk has launched a crowdfunding campaign to invite the public to support two of their flagship projects, aimed at eradicating gender-based violence.
The Ntsika yeThemba project:
The Ntsika yeThemba project aims to end gender-based violence by equipping a generation of positive male role models who challenge toxic masculinity and GBV, and promote equal rights and justice for all!
Through various positive role model encounters and mentorship initiatives, and the use of outdoor adventure-based education, young boys from township communities, many without fathers or father figures, are being empowered to become incredible leaders and agents of change.
They are reshaping, redefining and re-building positive ideas and actions of masculinity. They are being taught how to respect one another, respect women, understand consent and be a part of building a free and equal country for all!
Ntsika yeThemba: “Pillars of Hope, Defenders of Women & Leaders for an Equal Society”!
Your donation will make it possible for these young boys to access:
-
Empowerment Workshops: The young boys are equipped through various lessons and skills development sessions, such as training on gender-based violence, human rights education, consent, and gender norms.
-
Mental Health Support: The boys are supported through mental health resilience development and workshops, such as guided meditation, yoga, journaling, and reflection. They also attend regular trauma counselling.
-
Outdoor Education: Exciting and innovative activities such as obstacle courses, team building, hiking, camping, and nature exploration are used to build an environment of teamwork, brotherhood, and learning.
Donate to support this campaign on BackaBuddy.
The Mbokodo Club Project:
The Justice Desk’s Mbokodo Club Project focuses on offering empowerment workshops, mental healthcare, and self-defence programs to girl survivors of gender-based violence and rape.
The young girls they work with are aged between 9 and 19 and come from vulnerable communities such as Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Langa and Bonteheuwel.
The project focuses on equipping young girls to lead their change, become community leaders and join a network of women supporting women within underserved communities and townships.
These young girls can achieve this because of the quality services and education at the Mbokodo Club.
Your donation will make it possible for these young girls to access:
-
Empowerment workshops: These heroes are empowered through various lessons and skills development sessions, such as training on gender-based violence, human rights education, sexual health, leadership development, public speaking, body image, and self-confidence.
-
Mental health support: Through mental health resilience development and workshops (such as guided meditation, yoga, journaling, and reflection). The girls also attend regular trauma counselling.
-
Fitness and self-defence: Specialised fitness sessions are run with the young girls, including boxing sessions and self-defence classes, which build their overall confidence and fitness levels.
Donate to support this campaign on BackaBuddy.
Gender based violence resources in South Africa:
- Rape Crisis Cape Town Hotline: 021 447 9762
- South African GBV Hotline: 0800 428 428
- Tears Foundation: 010 590 5920 / www.tears.co.za / [email protected]
- Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555 / www.childline.org.za / [email protected]
- People Opposed to Woman Abuse: 011 642 4345 / www.powa.co.za / [email protected]
- Community Intervention Centre Helpline: 082 821 3447
- Free Legal Advice on WhatsApp (LawForAll): 063 603 3759
- Stop Domestic Violence Helpline (Lifeline): 0800 150 150
- Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567
- SAPS: 10111
- National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322
- Legal Aid: 0800 110 110
Useful websites:
Also read:
Pictures: The Justice Desk