A young voice against gender-based violence

EDITOR – I am deeply saddened by the significant crimes committed against women in South Africa and felt compelled to share my views on this important topic.

I am writing this because I am passionate about feminism.

Women in South Africa live in fear every day thinking “am I going to get home safely today?”

This is wrong.

No human being should have to feel this way ever.

I can relate to this topic because I am a woman.

I have a mother, sister and grandmother.

We should never feel this way.

Unfortunately, some people in this country are saying things like ‘never walk alone’ or ‘don’t wear that piece of clothing’.

No matter what that girl was wearing or where she may have been walking, this should not be an excuse for the crimes being committed.

Women will not be silenced, we have a voice and we are powerful.

Men also have a voice to stand up for us women.

Together we can make a difference.

As for the women and men out there, here are some solutions to this issue:

1. Never go silent, spread the news, the more we know, the better.

2. Parents raise your sons to treat women the way you would want to be treated.

3. Women, rent out a school hall or church, invite other women and raise awareness.

4. Protest, non-violently.

Amber Smith

Assumption Convent learner.

• Letter edited.