'It is time for change'

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KNYSNA NEWS - Women from Hornlee in Knysna took a stand against the "plague" of gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic abuse on Sunday 1 November, through a march and awareness event.

Organised by Changes of Knysna, the march started at the Hornlee Clinic at 14:00 and moved up Sunridge Street, in a convoy courtesy of the police, Hornlee Neighbourhood Watch and a Western Cape Provincial Traffic vehicle.

People joined the marchers as they made their way up Sunridge towards the Hornlee Civic Centre, for a formal gathering at 15:00 to help raise awareness for their cause.

Before the event officially began at 15:00, seven women from around Hornlee were each treated to a free make-up and hair session for being strong figures in their communities. "We asked the community to nominate ladies who they felt deserved a pampering, and thanks to Jovan Calvert of Madboy Artistry, and Ernest Kapp and René Stuurman of The Hair Clinique, we were able to give them that pampering," said Lynn Kayster, co-organiser of the event.

Photo gallery: Gender-based violence plague brought to the fore

Leoni Pasja (with placard) was one of the co-organisers of the march. Photo: Blake Linder

Proceedings commenced with a symbolic procession by police and community leader Avril Terblanche, who wore make-up depicting her as a GBV victim. Thereafter followed a number of speeches, including one by Knysna Mayor Elrick van Aswegen.

"Women in South Africa face a plague of their own, and we have to make a difference and bring an end to this. Now is the time to take action," he said.

In between the various speeches, there was also interpretive dancing by Sharmell Terblanche and Kurlin Campher, as well as singing by Cindy Appels of Back-to-Basics Music Group, while Moordkuil Productions captured everything on video.

One of the most emotive speeches was delivered by Charmaine Sinclair, one of the founders of Changes of Knysna. "We as women have had enough, this must stop. We will no longer sit by and accept this abuse, this violence," she said to cheers of support.

"We cannot and will no longer stay silent about this, we will speak up, we will not be shamed into thinking we cannot speak up. It is time for change."

Leoni Pasja was one of the co-organisers of the march. Photo: Blake Linder