It is now 54 years since women took to the streets to petition against the apartheid laws which required Black people to carry “pass books”
with them each time they left their compounds, homes or designated areas. Failure to produce a “pass” often resulted in the person being arrested. This big march by nearly 20,000 women to the Union Buildings took place on 9th August, 1956. They sang a song called “Wathint’ abafazi wathint’ imbokodo uza kufa!, meaning “When you strike the women, you strike a rock, you will be crushed or you will die!”
Women in Action (WiA) celebrated women’s struggle in South Africa and welcomed all present to the “Save a Tamar” launch at the Cathedral of Faith in Soweto.
Addressing the packed church, Mrs Marcia Pires, founder of WiA, said abuse took away dignity and many women in society could not strike back at those who abused them.
“As Christians we uphold the Bible’s principles, we believe that man should lead the house and Psalm 128:3,4 speaks about the man who fears the Lord.” She pointed out that if children grow up in this kind of family environment it was unlikely they would suffer abuse or become abusive, since ‘Children see, children do – whatever we do in front of them they will try to do it as well’.
“Sometimes women are told that it is their fault that they were abused. They hear accusations from friends or family members, such as: Why were you walking alone? Look at the clothes you’re wearing! But what blame can be put on a child whom someone takes advantage of, in her or his very own home? We have to deal with the consequences of abuse and give emotional and spiritual support. Maybe you have been through abuse and feel despised, rejected by the community and even by God, but today we the WiA want you to know that you are a woman of value, of courage and know that today is the birth of a new year in your life,” Mrs Pires said.
Men came in large numbers to support women and the campaign against abuse. Directing some of her comments at them, Mrs Pires said: “Man, you are a man of character, a man of honour because we believe you have the responsibility and the power to change South Africa. You can act in the community, with your colleagues, on your way from work to join the cause of fighting against women and child abuse.”
A survivor of domestic abuse, Mrs Elizabeth Mabunda described how she lost an unborn baby after her husband beat her. Today however she has a happy and united family and can celebrate 26 years of marriage with abuse a thing of the past. Her husband, William urged everyone to change the way they looked at women.
“Let us fight this abuse against women and children and change the way we look at them with respect, as the bible says they were created from our ribs. Let us love and be a good example to them,” said William.
Mrs Dalene Bishop, from the Teddy Bear Clinic, a non-profit organisation protecting and assisting abused children, said they educated children about sexual abuse, giving therapy, counselling, assistance, love, comfort, safety and ongoing support.
The WiA choir presented their special “Save a Tamar” song which will be sung throughout the four-month-long campaign. They also made key ring dolls which were sold with all profits being donated to the Teddy Bear Clinic.
By: Nomsa Masengemu
