GBV activist hopes to provide women with free self-defense classes
In confronting her painful past, activist Leilani Kuter found her purpose: to shatter sexual assault stigma, shine a spotlight on survival, and empower abused women to get up, speak out, and get the help they need.
Gender-based violence activist, Leilani Kuter (47) will take on her third annual walk to highlight sexual assault survivors in the country.
On September 16, 29 years after her sexual assault, Kuter will walk for 29 hours straight from Ventersdorp to Little Falls in Gauteng to raise R290 000 to provide women, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, with access to free self-defence classes.
Three years ago, Kuter revisited the NG-church youth centre in Pretoria where she was brutally raped, assaulted, and left for dead in 1992, when she was only 18-years-old.
In confronting her painful past, she found her purpose: to shatter sexual assault stigma, shine a spotlight on survival, and empower abused women to get up, speak out, and get the help they need.
“I am inspired by people who don’t make excuses, who take control of their lives, people who get up and carry on. No matter what has happened to you, don’t let it become your life sentence,” she said.
Wearing yellow, the colour the attacker wore on that fateful day, she stepped out of the shadows on the 27th anniversary of her assault, and walked 27km for 27 days, a total distance of 729km, uplifting survivors with every stride.
Joined by over 300 individuals, including Bruce Fordyce, she was encouraged to not give up.
On the 28th anniversary of her assault, Kuter returned with a nostalgic walk, walking 28km for 16 days, revisiting significant milestones and places in her life.
“I am passionate about self-defence because if I had some of these skills in 1992, I might have been able to protect myself. These courses won’t make you a hero, but they could save your life and give you a fighting chance,” she said.
On her walk, she will be joined by her friend Jaxy Olivier, two Guardian Angels from 1st For Women, and Gerhard Botes who will be driving closely behind to ensure their safety.
ALSO READ: Shining on a spotlight for survival
With her awareness walks, she has raised over R500 000 through her non-profit organisation, Yellow For Survivors NPC, to support rape crisis centres in South Africa, such as SA Women Fight Back, Tears foundation, Purple foundation, Bobbi Bear foundation and many others.
In addition to her awareness walks, Kuter has also completed more than 2 500km in dedication walks to honour women affected by gender-based violence, such as Sibongile Zenzile, Olivia Jasriel and Reeva Steenkamp.
“For me, walking has been very healing. When you look back and see how far you’ve come, you are reminded that the past is behind you and that you need to keep moving forward.
“When I started my walks, I had no expectations and no idea that this would change my life. Now everyone knows me as the lady with the yellow shirt,” she said.
WATCH: Gender-based violence activist, Leilani Kuter speaks about her campaign
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
