Our future can change for the better

TO ALL women, men and children who have fallen victim to these horrific events, and those who have lost precious loved ones to these crimes, we cannot bring back those who’ve been lost, but we can prevent and stop more incidents happening.

Across the globe, there is general agreement that 2016 has been a rough year, especially for women. True, but so have all the years before 2016.

Girls and women are not free to live without being the victims of sexual abuse and violence, whether it be a lewd comment while walking to school, or rape at the hands of someone they love.

As we end the 16 Days of Activism and move on into the holiday season, let’s commit to one thing: to work towards ending the violence.

Never allow girls, women, men and boys to believe that rape and gender-based violence are normal or unavoidable, or caused by the survivor or victim.

Support those organisations, individuals, political leaders and community members who work tirelessly to prevent and end gender-based violence. Speak up for someone every time you witness another person commit the smallest act of misogyny.

Shout out when a girl or woman is assaulted, and demand better policing, lighting and better sanitation.

Next year can be better, it does not have to be like this.

Violence especially against women and children is an abomination that must cease. Humanity will never find world peace as long as we keep on hurting and destroying one another. It is terrifying growing up in a country where we are exposed to so much, and seeing our sisters, brothers, mothers and fathers being hurt because of cruel events.

We know, despite all this, another one of these girls may be the next story in the newspaper.

There is still much work to be done; it certainly does not have to be like this, ever. We can make a difference and change our future for the better.