It’s been almost a year since the brutal rape and murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana and the resulting outrage that brought the terms gender-based violence and femicide into the public consciousness.

ALSO READ: Gender-based violence still on the increase in KZN

Until then, we were concerned about the rates of violence and murder in general, but the specific vulnerability of women was not in sharp focus.

Today, thanks to the publicity around this and other tragic deaths of women since then, there is increasing focus on domestic abuse, gender-based violence and femicide.

So much so that local nonprofit The Warrior Project, an online portal of information and resources for victims of domestic abuse and gender-based violence, has heeded the call for a central community of those who want to engage with the cause.

On 1 August, in line with the start of Women’s Month, The Warrior Project launched its official Ambassador Programme, bringing together the overwhelming number of people who had expressed interest in working with them over the past year and providing them with actionable steps to make a tangible difference in their communities.

“Within a month of launching The Warrior Project, we noticed the need for a community like this. There is a vast number of people out there who want to actively fight against GBV but don’t know how to,” says Yvonne Wakefield, its founder.

“People wanted to get involved but needed clear guidelines on what they could do to help in an appropriate and safe way.”

Through an online application process including the taking of a simple pledge, people can enter the Ambassador Programme and receive an ambassador task each month. These tasks range from awareness raising to local aid organisation support.

“Of course, much of the necessary work in the space can only be done by those specialized in social work, medical care and law enforcement, leaving little for the lay person to do, so the challenge was to find creative ways in which ordinary people can put their goodwill and efforts towards making a change,” said Wakefield.

“But applications are coming through thick and fast, and members are delighted with the chance to do something positive for this cause”.

 Group communication is done by automated email and group management takes place on the Warriors Stand Up Facebook Group.

“Through technology, we’ve been able to bring together a huge group, communicate individually with members, manage tasks and monitor progress very efficiently.”

Those interested in applying their energy to the cause can join The Warrior Project Ambassador Programme by signing up here.

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