4 days ago
Lotus Gardens women create a lasting safe space for abuse survivors
Pretoria West women recently committed to support each other and create a safe space to fight issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and crimes against women and girls.
On August 8, the group from Lotus Gardens gathered at ELC Church to establish an important safe space and support network in the fight against GBV in the spirit of Women's Day.
The initiative was hosted by Manzimankulu Women and Children, and the Njabulo Substance Prevention Centre.
Organiser, Poppy Lekola, said the event aimed to empower women, provide them with resources, and promote a sense of collective strength in a community facing the widespread issue of GBV.
'Women's Day is about us and for us. We wanted to create a space where every woman in our community can feel heard, understood, and safe,' she said.
She highlighted that many abused women in the community are afraid to speak out because they fear judgment.
She said however, they wanted to build a network of support so no woman feels alone in her struggle against abuse.
'We wanted to strengthen the sisterhood support system that we are supposed to be.'
She emphasised that women should not only gather on Women's Day to support one another.
'Women don't experience abuse on this day only, some have to endure it every day of their lives. It is important that as women, we remain a beacon of hope and safety for our sisters all the time,' she said.
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GBV life coach and counsellor, Nthabiseng Masilela, emphasised the critical need for such initiatives.
'Survivors of GBV and those affected by it really do need such programmes, because they are a space where they feel comfortable to share their stories without feeling judged,' she said.
She added that said such initiatives help survivors begin their healing journey.
'When women gather and unite like this, they are able to share important information about their rights and available support services while supporting each other,' she said.
The event also provided a platform for women who have experienced GBV to share their stories.
The aim was to promote shared understanding and break the silence surrounding the abuse of women.
Lorraine Tshabuse shared her experience of being in an abusive marriage, saying, 'I stayed in an abusive marriage for over eight years, suffering in silence, but my journey to healing started the day I decided to speak out.
'To all women in abusive relationships, know that you are not to blame. Your story is valid, and we are here as your sisters waiting to support you.'
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