Those who have a voice must speak

I WANT to thank the for highlighting Vanessa Govender’s book, Beaten But Not Broken, in an article titled “Author tackles ‘haters’” (October 3-7).

This book has helped open a conversation on gender-based abuse that is long overdue in our nation.

Women have been suffering in silence for generations. It is up to those who have a voice to speak up, so that we can help others find their voices too.

I remember the sense of victory we felt in the old KwaZulu Legislative Assembly when we were finally granted limited powers to legislate.

One of the first changes we made was to enable women to own property and to inherit property, to have locus standi in judicio, and to criminalise the act of wife beating.

We knew even then that changing the law was not enough to protect and empower women. We had to change mindsets, values and social norms.

But changing the law forced society to rethink about rights and equality.

I applaud Govender for speaking out against abuse. Sadly, she is quite right that speaking out gives people permission to intervene.

In the present crisis of abuse, we cannot wait for permission to help women and girls. We need to step up and step in. It might offend someone. It might bring criticism. But the alternative is far, far worse.

We dare not stay silent.