“You have been chosen, anointed with strength, trusted to nurture and protected by grace to remain strong.”

This was the opening message from Thando Nkomo, social worker supervisor at the Greater Benoni Family and Child Welfare, during the society’s annual gender-based violence (GBV) Women’s Month event.

On August 26, 50 women currently in the care of the Manger Care Centre (MCC), Brentwood Park, as well as the Theodora Ndaba Victim Support Centre and Together We Can Achieve Greatness Centre, of Daveyton, gathered for an inspirational morning aimed at freeing them from the shackles of abuse.

Dressed in pink and purple, the women filed into the hall at the House of the Lord, in Airfield, taking their seats at ornately tables set in their honour.

“This gathering is to celebrate you, the women who stood up and turned their backs on the cycle of domestic violence, the women who said ‘I value myself enough to walk away’,” said Greater Benoni Family and Child Welfare director, Vanessa Carelse.

“Speaking out against violence makes you stronger than you will ever realise and we are here to recognise your journey to healing.”

With a morning packed with motivational activities, participants were urged to unlock their creativity by painting individual canvases adorned with sunflowers.

“Zechariah 2:5 reads ‘For I, say the Lord, will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst,” quoted Annemarie Jansen van Rensburg, of Christ Light Church (CLC), who led their painting exercise.

“The sunflower represents the soft, nurturing spirit of women, the place from where life springs.

“The petals are God’s warm protection that surrounds them urging them to turn their faces to the sun, letting it guide them through life’s challenges.”

Swaying to the gentle beat of upbeat music, the women were invited to spend enjoy the morning’s event by being present.

“The answers will come, victory will be yours and you and your families will rise again, for now take the time to enjoy yourself allowing our spirit a chance to recharge,” said Thando.

On a more serious note, Lebo Sindane, of the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court, emphasised the importance of reporting incidents of GBV to local authorities.

“There is help, there is a way out but we cannot render these necessary services if you do not speak out,” she said.

“We need you to be brave in saying enough is enough, only then will we be able to help you break free from the cycle of abuse.

“You owe it to yourself and your children to reach out to helping hands.”

If you or someone you know are victims of abuse contact the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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