Midrand women share their experiences with gender-based violence
MAYIBUYE – Women from Mayibuye spoke up boldly about their gender-based violence experiences, advising that others not to stay in unhealthy relationships.
The Gum Club, a Mayibuye-based fitness club, hosted a gender-based violence awareness event and sanitary pad giveaway at Mayibuye Community Park.
Kwena Ramoroka helped organise the event in partnership with the Gum Club on 14 November. It was attended by members of various fitness clubs and the community at large, and starting off with some exercises led by the Gum Club in the morning.
After the exercise sessions, women from different walks of life shared their stories on how they had been impacted by gender-based violence.
Athi Mdlankomo, a gender-based violence survivor, spoke bravely and shared her story on how she was abused in a relationship.
“I met my abuser in 2012. At first there was no physical abuse, it was emotional, whenever we had a argument he would shout at me and threaten to beat me up. He would embarrass me in front of people, friends and strangers. It went from verbal to physical very fast.”
Precious Sithole, who was nearly the victim of rape, said she could not sleep for weeks, having visions and nightmares of the incident. “It dawned on me that if I was actually raped, it could have been worse than what I was feeling then. I think we all need mothers to help us beat this because it is tough.
“We need to speak more about these issues to help us heal. Speak to someone you trust and seek help. The most uncomfortable thing to do is to keep something bottled up for years and years because it can kill a person inside.”
She concluded, “We need to get to a place where it will end up being a story and not something which will hurt us again.”
Details: Kwena Ramoroka 071 239 8828.
