Highlighting GBV one page at a time
“The seed was there. I thought that something needs to be done about what women are going through.”
With the publication of her first book, Skins, the NEWS met with Modderfontein resident Anita Arendsen to learn more about her writing.
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Written earlier this year, Skins outlines the pain and misery caused by living with sexual and emotional abuse.
The book discusses topics such as the history of gender-based violence (GBV) and types of abuse. It is a triumphant story that celebrates the endurance of the human spirit.
As someone who has experienced different types of abuse during her life, Anita said her life changed when she decided to take a stand.
“For a long time, I was living an unfulfilled life and felt less than worthless.”
Although Anita described writing Skins as a calling, she said she first needed to be sure she was writing the book for herself.
Anita set out on the Tankwa Camino, a 260km 10-day hike from Calvinia to Ceres, to better understand why she was writing the book.
Once she returned, Anita knew she was ready to start writing her book.
“Although I knew I was ready, the story is so personal. It’s not an easy story.”
Anita, who was still working in the corporate world at the time, decided not to rush the writing process.
After resigning from corporate employment at the end of 2019, Anita signed up for a self-publishing master class in December 2020.
Even though she had signed up for the class and knew she was going to write a book, she didn’t have a plan for its title or content.
“The seed was there. I thought that something needs to be done about what women are going through.”
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Starting her virtual classes on January 5, Anita started writing the very next day.
Five weeks later, Anita had completed and submitted her manuscript.
“When I held the first printed copy in my hand, I thought this was insane. I was petrified,” said Anita.
She explained that sharing her story made her feel vulnerable and exposed on the highest levels.
“That feeling doesn’t go away, there are mornings when I still wake up at 02:00 feeling overwhelmed.”
Since the book’s publication on May 26, Anita said feedback from readers has been positive.
Anita believes the book is having the impact it was intended to have.
She said because of the nature of the topic discussed, some readers prefer to contact her directly when giving feedback.
“Abuse and GBV is not an easy subject for people to talk about, so instead of writing a review, some readers will phone me to talk about what the book has done for them.”
With 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children starting on November 25, Anita said more can and must be done for those who are abused.
“We need to address the cause of abuse. If we don’t address the cause, it won’t go away.”
Looking to the future, Anita would like to find meaningful ways to make a difference in the community and do work in a healing space of trust.
Additionally, she is interested in working with schools and interacting with learners and the greater youth community.
Contact Anita through her website (www.arendsenita.co.za).
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