The Springs Girls’ High School teachers and learners supported the countrywide G20 Women’s Shutdown on November 21 to bring attention to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, Lesedi Mokoena and Tshimologo Ramaja said it was a day to remember the women who have passed away because of abuse and those who survived.
Mokoena said that the day is about speaking for the voiceless. She also said that there are many victims who are afraid of speaking up about the abuse they endure because they fear judgment by society because they fear judgment by society and have lost trust in the justice system.
She added that as a young girl, there is a lack of trust in men in the community, whether it is a neighbour or a family member, because they might hurt them in the long run.
“We live in a society where we don’t know how to trust because they might not believe us, so a day like this is a reminder to everyone that we are in this fight together, young or old,” said Mokoena.
The Springs Girls High School with their teachers, Devoted Tanyane on the left and Annja Smith on the right. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
She also said that even though they are at school, they wear the purple ribbons to support the cause. Ramaja shared that the day was also for the men who have been victims of abuse.
“It is for all genders to speak about the abuse they face in their lives.”
She said a lot needs to be done for the safety of women and children. She added that more petitions can be signed regarding the matter, and these could receive international recognition and help the country with the cause.
“We need to get more female politicians to speak for the women who have been killed and for the survivors,” said Ramaja.
A teacher, Hlosi Mdlalose, told the publication that the day is about raising awareness of the cause. Mdlalose lost his sister to GBVF, and the shutdown means the country needs a solution, and this was a way of getting it.
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He also said the day served as a wake-up call to the community, which had been ignorant of the matter.
“The shutdown sends a powerful message to people to engage in acts of kindness and impart these values to the abusers and potential abusers to protect the women and children in the society we live in,” said Mdlalose.
He also said that the school raised awareness of GBV through its social media platform and has established safe spaces for learners to speak with teachers.
Deputy principal Heather Jones said the day was about women regaining their power and control from their abusers.
“This reminded people we are in this fight together and have each other’s backs and the power to overcome the worst situations,” said Jones.
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