16 Days of Activism - What can you do to make a difference?
On average, one in five South African women older than 18 has experienced physical violence. How do we put an end to this startling statistic?
Just a few days ago, we heard the news that Oscar Pistorius had been handed extra time behind bars and that Christopher Panayiotou had been sentenced to life behind bars. The reaction around this news was a sigh of relief. The scary thing is that sadly day after day women are being hurt, abused, and silenced by men with their actions.
Read: 16 days not enough to fight gender violence: Activist
The statistics are frightening - 40% of men assault their partners daily and three women in South Africa are killed by their intimate partner every day. If you have been living in a cycle of abuse, find a safe place to speak out. You do not deserve to be hurt, under no circumstances, regardless of excuses.
Read: 16 Days of Activism: Get men involved, says NGO
I hear so many stories of women who live in fear, live a life under a foundation of powder and made-up stories. It's time for change.
Read: 16 Days of Activism: Supporting survivors of violence
Here's a list of things you can do to help end this epidemic:
- Speak up for those who are being abused.
- Wear white to support 16 days campaign.
- Take one minute every day to reflect on your life and think of those who suffer at the hands of others every day.
- Join a campaign to end women and child abuse.
- Share articles on social media.
- Speak to someone who has been affected by violence and listen.
- Call out men for cat calling and whistling.
- Report people who body shame - male or female.
- Take the time to educate yourself.
- Join a seminar.
- Chat with your partner and ask them if they're doing anything for 16 Days of Activism.
- Intervene, or at least report, when you see an assault in progress.
- Teach our boys that being male does not mean you cannot express your feelings and show vulnerability.
- Educate children that statements like “boys will be boys” or “he hit you because he likes you” excuses violence.
- Understand the importance of consent – male and female.
- Create awareness that hitting others or breaking things is never acceptable.
Remember, change begins with just one person.