The Bluff community takes a stand for 16 Days of Activism
As South Africans acknowledge 16 Days of Activism, The Bluff residents are doing their part to show support and care for victims of abuse.
THE Brighton Beach Victim Friendly Centre (BBVFC) in collaboration with a number of The Bluff-based organisations are painting Bluff Road with a message of hope and solidarity to commemorate the global campaign for 16 Days of Activism.
Throughout the week, bright orange fabric and ribbons were wrapped around large, visible trees from Marlborough Park through to Bluff SuperSpar, a symbolic stand driven by the Victim Support Unit, Bluff Assist and the Bluff Assist Youth League.
Chantal Bransgrove-Bower, chairperson of the BBVFC, said the drive is aimed at sparking conversations, creating awareness, and helping victims to know they are not alone.
“We were joined by Ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon, ward committee member and Bluff Assist member Sharon Numan and Audrey Anderson,” she said.
The colour orange
The colour orange was not a random pick, but a colour synonymous with 16 Days of Activism.
“During 16 Days of Activism, the colour orange not only raises awareness, but represents hope and a future free from violence against women and children. By wrapping these trees, we start the conversation, why orange, what’s it for? and so we get the conversation going, bring awareness and also let those affected know that we support you, and there is help,” she said.
Becoming upstanders
Bransgrove-Bower added they aim to turn communities from passive bystanders into active upstanders.
“Sixteen days is not only about taking a stand to say enough is enough, but letting people know that they are not alone, that there are options. When we educate and create awareness, victims begin to believe that there is hope, that they are not alone and that they can be helped. These few days encourage people to be empowered, to not just make a change, but be the change.”
Bransgrove-Bower added that judgement has no place in the fight against gender-based violence.
“The reason someone stays may not make sense to you, but in many cases women – especially moms – feel they have no choice. We do not judge, and we do not discriminate. Instead, we want to empower women with knowledge, options and direction,” she said.
She called upon the community to shift from criticism to compassionate action.
“Rather than judging a victim, ask what they need to survive. Empower them. Assist them. Support them. That is how we become upstanders. Let’s be kind and be the change we want to see,” said Bransgrove-Bower.
Brighton Beach Primary School speaks out
Also answering the call to stand in solidarity was principal Dr Shalina Naicker of Brighton Beach Primary School. Dr. Naicker said the school is proudly aligning itself with the international campaign to ensure that learners understand the importance of speaking out against abuse.
“The 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign to raise awareness and call for an end to violence against women and children. It starts on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25, and concludes on International Human Rights Day on December 10,” she said.
Dr Naicker said teaching children about gender-based violence is important for the long-term creation of safer communities.
“We must educate young people early so that they understand their rights, their voices, and their responsibility to stand against violence,” said Dr. Naicker.
The orange ribbons continue to serve a stark reminder of the many lives lost to abuse as well as a reminder of a hopeful tomorrow.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
