Unite for the victims of abuse at 1st for Women Sisters with Blisters
South Africa has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world and the Department of Justice estimates that 1 out of every 4 South African women are survivors of domestic violence.
Violence against women is a social tragedy. It transcends political, religious and economic boundaries and it has detrimental consequences for our nation at large. Besides the far-reaching psychological effects of abuse, it costs South Africa between R28.4 billion and R42.4 billion per year.
Every year, from 25 November to 10 December, the world turns its attention to the plight of abused women. Much is done during this brief time to raise awareness, expose this social tragedy and campaign for equality, but is it enough? A bruise can heal in 16 days but for the survivors of abuse, the veiled emotional scars last a lifetime.
“More can and must be done to highlight this injustice. Every case of a woman being abused is a case too many. Too many survivors continue to suffer in silence and it’s our joint responsibility to do whatever possible to change this, says Casey Rousseau, spokesperson for 1st for Women Insurance and the 1st for Women Foundation which to date has raised R49 million to fight violence against women.
On 20 November 2016, thousands of people will unite at Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga for the first 1st for Women Sisters with Blisters protest walk with East Coast Radio.
“This will be the largest peaceful protest of its kind – a chance for men, women, children to come together, walk as one and make our collective voices heard. There is strength in numbers and with that strength comes power – the power to make a difference,” says Rousseau.
Sisters with Blisters marks the start of the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign. All proceeds raised will be donated to an organisation that makes an active and practical difference to the lives of those affected by abuse – the Centre for Community Justice and Development (CCJD).
Tickets can be purchased via www.sisterswithblisters.co.za. Sisters, misters, kids and four-legged friends are invited to walk 5KMs and make a statement in high heels (or in slippers, trainers, sandals etc). This is your chance to dress up, step out, speak out and inspire victims of abuse to change their lives for the better.
“We still have a long way to go before violence against women is a subject that can be freely spoken about,” says East Coast Radio’s Marketing Manager, Renée Burton. “Through an event like 1st for Women Sisters with Blisters, we see an invaluable opportunity to amplify awareness and make voices be heard. Through the diverse appeal of this event, we simultaneously shatter perceptions that violence against women only occurs in certain communities only. It could be your mother, sister, aunt, friend or colleague. It’s everyone’s problem and we will be bringing the issue to light at Chris Saunders Park on 20 November 2016.”
This November, sisters, misters, kids and their four-legged friends, are invited to join 1st for Women Insurance and East Coast Radio for the largest peaceful protest of its kind – Sisters with Blisters 2016.
Date: Sunday, 20 November 2016
Time: 08h00.
Venue: Chris Saunders Park, Centenary Blvd, Umhlanga