Rosie Motene

Pan-african QUEER feminist AND Activist, Writer, MEDIA Proprietor AND global SPEAKER

Glamour: What causes GBV?

Rosie Motene: We live in a world viewed through a patriarchal and misogynistic lens. We need to unlearn our beliefs, behaviours and change policies from a social, traditional, religious, ethical and legal standpoint. Rapists can get away with it, and they know it, because they have more rights than their victims. We should start by dismantling the patriarchy. GBV’S still a taboo subject, particularly for those who speak out. They label us attention-seeking, liars, ego-driven, and crazy black women. The GBV crisis is also affected by those who speak from a place of privilege, allowing them to undermine and direct the narrative of the less fortunate and those who’ve suffered. People who have access to power or money can dominate the narrative, placing additional stress on the person that speaks out.

G: People have hailed the rising tide of sexual assault victims who’ve publicly identified themselves in a bid for justice as a crucial advance in women’s rights.

RM: We’re finally being seen and heard, we’re not stepping down, and we’re claiming our rights, shaking the systems established to silence us. The problem, as always, is that the perpetrators can still protect themselves. Look at the case of Yolanda Dyanti from Rhodes University. She was raped and spoke out, but the university excluded her for life, refusing to hand over all the years she’d worked and the credit she’d earned.they violated her young life. One of the alleged rapists only received a 10-year suspension from Rhodes following his conviction, and now he works for a big law firm in Joburg.

G: It took you a long time to speak out about the abuse you experienced. What did getting to that step involve? RM: I’m still processing my pain, and I’m fortunate to have had access to counselling and therapy to support my journey. But healing through counselling and speaking out doesn’t always take away your pain and trauma; it merely helps you cope. I’ve also had many setbacks and breakdowns caused by triggers. The last few years have been the worst for me as people and organisations who hold spaces due to their white privilege have attempted to intimidate me. The level of gas-lighting has often sent me on an emotional rollercoaster, which has even led to me losing work, their violent language holding the narrative in spaces where I needed to survive. I’ve suffered, rested, and now I’m regaining my strength to continue.

G: Are you glad that you shared your story?

RM: Yes. I’m also proud as it was never my fault. My journey has been challenging, but I’ve also had genuine support. Speaking out may have cost me my career, but it allowed me to help people. I give victims access to adequate psychosocial support, as an example, because I don’t want other women and girls to go through the struggles many of us have suffered.

Glamour: Are we doing enough to combat GBV?

Koketso Moeti: I remember when the then Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula condemned the murder of Karabo Mokoena. He said, “…that [Mokoena’s murder] should serve as an example

“Rapists can get away with it, and they know it, because they have more rights than their victims” – Rosie Motene