Women’s Day programme shines spotlight on GBV
The BAT Centre kicked off their Women’s Month celebrations with a series of transformative events under the banner of honouring, remembering and reclaiming the power of South African women through a visually compelling performance and exhibition of “Ukukhanya Kwamakhosikazi” (The Light of Women).
THE staging of powerful performances by female poets and an exhibition by renowned poet, Ncumisa Mcitwa, were among the highlights of the Women’s Day programme that was hosted at the BAT Centre on Saturday, August 9.
Among the performers was Sanelise Sobahle, who through poetry highlighted the plight of gender-based violence and sexual abuse faced by women throughout the world. Her poem touched many who listened and immersed themselves in the spoken words of a young woman who was pleading with her father to understand her pain of being violated by the very men that were meant to have protected her throughout childhood.
Sobahle’s performance, which was followed by Skayants Aluta, was played out in the gallery hosting Mcitwa’s solo exhibition, Ukukhanya Kwamakhosikazi (The Light of Women). Through a series of images, the renowned visual artist allows you to see the world through her eyes.
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“This is not just about art — it’s about memory, truth, and transformation,” said Mcitwa, who uses her art to heal. She said, “Ukukhanya Kwamakhosikazi exists to remind us that every name, every face, every story of a woman matters. This is Women’s Day not only in celebration — but in protest.”
The programme also served to highlight the healing and resilience of women from all backgrounds. During a panel discussion, with leading voices in activism, the arts, and mental health — they were able to unpack the role of community in healing trauma and the urgency of systemic change.
Panelist and musician Nosipho Mjaji encouraged women to raise their voice against GBV of any kind and break the silence on the abuse of up and coming artists, particularly in the music industry.
“You hear of stories of women being harassed in the industry all the time,” said Mjaji. “What happens is that you end up losing yourself and direction. What do we tell our children, and the women that look up to us? It’s to speak up and say no. Nothing good can ever come out of a hotel room meeting.”
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