Helping girls speak out against abuse

Violence against girls and women at places of learning is a reflection of what is happening in the wider society.

So says Ubuntu is our Foundation, a non-profit organisation, which was at the Iqhayiya Senior Secondary School in Khayelitsha on Friday August 16, to speak to the school's girls about violence and discrimination targeting girls and women.

The organisation's founder and director, Lonwabo Bonxa, said: "Our aim is to create a platform where girls can speak out and be able to say no. We have found out that girl children are easily manipulated. We want them to know their value and worth."

One could not separate what happened in schools from the broader society, he said.

"We seek to empower girls and women through education, support and advocacy, breaking the cycle of gender-based violence and menstrual poverty and promoting a culture of gender equality and social justice."

Another speaker, UWC Womxn’s Block’s Winnie Mkoko, said a patriarchal society was to blame for the abuses girls faced because it stereotyped them and discouraged them from speaking out.

“Our duty is to break those stereotypes,” she said.

Ms Mkoko said girls should have ready access to menstrual pads and should not have to miss school because they were on their periods.

Iqhayiya School principal Ayanda Mbava said all forms of abuse at her school were not tolerated.

“I am delighted that they are speaking to girls only. Girl children are violated every day so we need to guide them and show them the way. I am grateful to the foundation for seeing a need to visit us,” she said.