Leilani to embark on a third walk for sexual assault survivors
“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."
Gender-based violence activist Leilani Kuter, 47, will take on her third annual walk to highlight sexual assault survivors in South Africa.
Thursday, September 16 will mark the 29th anniversary of her being brutally raped and left for dead. This time Leilani will take on a new challenge: walking for 29 hours from Ventersdorp to Little Falls to raise R290 000 on BackaBuddy to provide women, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, with access to free self-defence classes.
The classes, which cost R300 per person, will be presented by Gary Lewis and Carien Davel from Never Tap Out during the 16 days of Activism in November.
“I am passionate about self-defence because if I had some of those skills in 1992, I might have been able to protect myself. The courses won’t make you a hero, but they could save your life and give you a fighting chance!” said Leilani.
On her walk, Leilani will be joined by her friend Jaxy Olivier and two Guardian Angels from 1st For Women. Gerhard Botes will be driving closely behind them to ensure their safety.
With her awareness walks, Leilani 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.
“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,” said Leilani.
Three years ago, Leilani revisited the NG Kerk Youth Centre in Pretoria where she had suffered the sexual assault that almost cost her her life when she was only 18 years old.
By confronting her painful past, Leilani found her purpose: to shatter the stigma attached to sexual assault victims, 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.”
Wearing yellow, the colour her attacker wore on that fateful day, Leilani 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, Leilani was encouraged not to give up.
On the 28th anniversary of the assault, Leilani returned with a nostalgic walk, walking 28km for 16 days, revisiting significant milestones and places in her life.
Members of the public who would like to support Leilani’s 29-hour walk can make a donation on BackaBuddy (https://www.backabuddy.co.za/29hrwgbv); alternatively, make a donation via Snapscan (https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/29hrWalkforGBV).
All donors are eligible for a section 18A tax certificate issued by Yellow for Survivors NPC. For more information, contact Zane Groenewald on 082 602 0735 or email Zane@backabuddy.co.za.
