VIDEO: Vanessa’s story inspires women from all walks of life to take a stand against abuse
The former TV journalist and radio news reporter shared her story of abuse, as told in her book Beaten But Not Broken.
Women took centre stage at an inspirational motivational talk and high tea, at Carnival City, in celebration of Women’s Day on Friday.
Vanessa Govender, author of Beaten But Not Broken, shared her incredible story – one of horrendous abuse, but also of possibilities and hope, that of a true survivor.
Carnival City’s Rio Rooms were suitably decorated for the event, with petite tea cups and saucers beautifully arranged on pristine tablecloths amid bouquets of fresh flowers.
Upon entry into the event, each woman was gifted with a crown to tie in with the theme of the day – Queens for a Day.
The women in attendance certainly looked like queens, with many having dressed up for the occasion.
Video: The event kicked off with Vanessa, a former award-winning eTV television news journalist and former SABC/Lotusfm radio news reporter, reading from her book.
At the height of her journalism career, more than one million households across the country knew who she was as her reporting on human suffering and triumph had captivated viewers.
At the same time Vanessa shot to fame as one of the first female Indian television news reporters in South Africa.
Vanessa, who has always chased the human angle of every news story she has covered, made a name for herself by revealing the real feelings, emotions and suffering the most downtrodden and destitute people have had to face.
All the while, however, this champion for the demoralised was hiding a shocking story of her own.
In her book she finally opens up about her deepest secret – one that so nearly ended her career in broadcast journalism.
Vanessa did the unthinkable as an Indian woman in breaking the ranks of a close-knit conservative community to speak out about her five-year-long hell in an abusive relationship.
She also spoke of her experiences of childhood bullying and being ostracised by some in her community for being a dark-skinned Indian girl.
In the driver’s seat as host was award-winning talk show host, CJ Benjamin.
CJ has received numerous awards for her public service and is passionate about youth and women empowerment.
CJ engages with youth and women across South Africa in public workshops, empowering people to make better choices for their lives.
She currently hosts empowerment talks on GlowTV with the aim of motivating and uplifting the country.
CJ is in the midst of a tour across Africa delivering a series of talks at universities, women’s conferences and major workshops.
The event concluded with some audience members sharing their own stories of abuse.
Vanessa was applauded for being an inspiration and the audience left feeling positive and encouraged to take a stand against abuse.
Read: Women’s Day: South African women lead a generation of “firsts”
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