What have we done to deserve such abuse?

IT WAS my time to stand strong and bold at the front line advocating for women and children whose dreams and desires were abruptly cut short as a result of violence.

Being part of a moving and historic march yesterday, left me speechless and with goosebumps. As women from different spheres of society, we united in one voice and raised our fists up high, chanting “My body – Not your crime scene”, questioning,“What have we done?”

The fist was a symbol of solidarity and support to tell mothers, sisters and children we will be strong for you.

We wore black attire as a sign of mourning and red for the innocent blood shed on the streets and in households.

We are aware things will not change overnight, but #TheTotalShutDown was a start. The courageous women of 1956 did their part and we gallantly took over the baton with the hope that one day we will win the race – when no child or woman will cry or die at the hands of a man.

We marched to reclaim our bodies and dignity as some have been ditched in shallow graves, burnt beyond recognition, riddled with bullets and left with deep, dark scars.

It was important for me not to just do my job and report about this march as with all other marches. Taking part, walking, singing and showing strength in a united front was a personal aim for me.

It was personal because every day as women we live in fear. It doesn’t matter whether it’s daylight or at night, we constantly have to be aware of our surroundings and who we talk to.

I interview crime victims almost daily and most say that if they could live elsewhere, they’d jump at the chance, because in the communities where they stay, men abusing women has become the norm.

It was personal because when I pass public transport interchanges men still whistle, and when I don’t entertain them I’m called names.

People need to know it’s not only physical abuse but also emotional abuse that women suffer. Just like the saying “charity begins at home”, respect starts at home. Parents need to instil love, values, support and responsibility in children at a young age.

Violent crimes perpetrated against women need to end, a hope most women who took part in the march want realised. We need to root out the stigma that comes with violence. Most importantly, we need to stop protecting suspects more than victims in our families and communities.