Trauma training course a vital companion to address healing of many women in Cape Peninsula
Karen Painter • 11 March 2021
CAPE TOWN. – The trauma training course of 1000 Women Trust on WhatsApp and person-to-person have become catalysts for the healing of several women and girls in many communities across the Cape Peninsula and the West Coast.
This is the anecdotal witness of community leaders interviewed by 1000 Women Trust on the Trauma training course. Claudia Roodt, director of Designed to Connect and associate of 1000 Women Trust, developed the course material. It is also facilitated by Tina Thiart, founder member of 1000 Women Trust, and Caroline Peters, a director of the organization.
Since the course was first rolled out, more than 4000 people have attended it person-to-person or on WhatsApp.
Thiart will facilitate a new Trauma training course on WhatsApp starting on 12 th March.
You can follow this link to join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KVqpHSDdBjq3I0GzFEnSMv
Humans are all born with a nervous system and a stress response. Sometimes humans’ nervous system is wounded because of a toxic environment or abuse by parents or friends. That happens due to the absence of a sympathetic witness that calms the nervous system down.
When, as an adult, a woman encounters their husband shouting at them, their nervous system recalls a similar experience as when their father verbally abused them, and then they react in the same way as in which they reacted to their father – by possibly fleeing or freezing.
The trauma training course equips attendants to know what trauma is, how it manifests and what the body do when one feels traumatized or overwhelmed. It also teaches attendants on how to become a safe space for others who have encountered trauma, to be sympathetic and reflective listeners, and to share skills with the victim of trauma which will equip them to deal effectively with their trauma.
Davina Cloete of the West Coast Food Sovereignty and Solidarity Forum said she did a 1000 Women Trust’s trauma training course and shared the principles thereof with 30 young people and adults in the Lutzville-area.
Many of these women were traumatized because of historic abuse, rape and gender-based violence and did not know how to verbalize their pain but the presentation of the trauma training course by Cloete assisted them in sharing their own experiences.
“The magnitude of gender-based violence in Lutzville has been enormous the past three years. During the 16 Days of Activism, as organization, we in association with the police and the municipality signed a declaration signaling our intent to fight gender-based violence.
“The trauma training course assisted us in having empathy with one another and to talk about trauma in our own lives,” said Cloete.
“When our group of 30 women reach out to others who have experienced intense trauma, we know how to deal with it. We don’t become too emotional and we don’t try to manage this situation head over heels. We can listen attentively and calmly before we talk. We are aware of the importance of our own body language when we listen to people who have suffered trauma.
“As activists, we have learned to be radical and militant, but because we have done the trauma training sessions, we know how to handle our own emotions better.
“I will encourage other women to do the trauma training, especially because many are caught up in gender-based violence in their families and don’t know what to do or who to turn to,” Cloete said.
Albertina Francis, a leader in Paarl who facilitates community work in Lantana, Chicago and Amstelhof, said she twice attended trauma training courses of 1000 Women Trust since 2019.
“It helped me a lot because when I wanted to assist people with gender-based violence issues, it gave me the confidence and tools to start support groups for the victims,” said Francis.
“After the WhatsApp-training me and my group did on trauma, we started #HearMeToo-sessions in the community.
“The trauma training sessions helped us to be that safe space for a lot of women in the area who have been victims of gender-based violence. The fact that we have learned to listen in a different way, also creates a new trust-relationship between the members of our group and the community,” Francis remarked.
“The area in which we work, is characterized by major abuse, alcoholism and gangsterism. Through our interventions and our trauma training sessions, many women have come forward for assistance and we were able to refer them to social workers and organizations for assistance,’ Francis added.
“I am a program coordinator for the Foundation for Community Work and also started my own non-profit organization called Within Development. There are 300 children who are at the Early Childhood Development-stage, as well as 50 children from the toddler-stage to grade 7, as well as their parents so you can see that the trauma training material that we did could impact many,” Francis adds.
Vainola Makan, a community leader who operates throughout the Cape Pensinsula, said many of the people with whom she worked, has found the trauma training material very useful.
You need to understand what the process is that people go through and how you can act around them to assist them, and that is explained through the course of the trauma training sessions, she says.
“I work as a counsellor with the Sisterhood Movement in Mitchell’s Plain, Delft, Kraaifontein, Stellenbosch and Bellville and use the trauma training material. The one need I have is that maybe we can have more of a workshop-environment where we can have interactive sessions on trauma training as many women would like to ask questions about their own situation,” Makan said.
“The trauma training is very relevant in the current context because we are in COVID 19 and in lockdown where many of the emotions that people feel are exacerbated,” Makan added. “Many people might feel isolated and in need of more physical and emotional support.”
Leslie van Rooyen, director of Youth4Change in Manenberg, said he did trauma training more than 15 years ago, but would love to attend the 1000 Women Trust’ trauma training course in 2021 and would also like to bring his assistants with him to attend.
He said he has been living in Manenberg for 44 years and Youth4Change and the LGBT+ community face many trauma cases, particularly because of domestic violence, family violence and substance abuse which plays a major role in many people’s lives.
The LGBT+ community has been particularly affected due to trauma caused by the gangsters. In the community they face discrimination and marginalization, he said.
Some LGBT+ members are used as slaves by the drug lords.
His aim will be to write a business plan and engage with potential investors to build a call centre for the LGBT+ community in Manenberg. He also envisages the building of a shelter at his home to serve people in the LGBT+ community and other members of the community affected by drugs and gender-based violence who battles with trauma.
1000 Women Trust’s objectives are to mobilize resources and give grants to organizations that support, raise awareness and provide opportunities for women and children who have been affected by gender-based -violence.
1000 Women Trust: an open invitation to invest CSI-funds and empower SA women 1000 Women Trust has become a premier change agent in South Africa in empowering women and breaking cycles of violence through its transformative Project Orange, its chatbot-initiative and its Talking to Boys-incentives. Now this non-profit organization, working to advance gender equality, is inviting South African companies with CSI-funds (Corporate Social Investment) to partner with the Trust to increase its footprint – its life-changing impact on communities in all nine provinces. “By investing your CSI-funds in our Project Orange, our GBV-Warriors and our Chatbot-Initiative, you can receive a 18 A certificate and save tax, while simultaneously helping 1000 Women Trust to fulfil its twin mission – the eventual eradication of gender-based violence while transforming women into inspirational community and business leaders,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder and trustee of 1000 Women Trust. “As public benefit organization, 1000 Women Trust can issue that section 18 A tax certificate for qualifying donations, allowing your contribution to make both a social and financial impact,” Thiart added. The Trust has embarked on multiple campaigns the past 24 years, benefitting tens of thousands of SA women and we can show our impact. Included please find our Fact Sheet and legal information. For more information visit www.1000women.co.za 1000 Women Trust is a South Africa–based non-profit organisation working to advance gender equality and prevent gender-based violence through education, empowerment, access to resources, and collective action. For media enquiries and further information: Communications Office 1000 Women Trust. Email: info@1000women.co.za Phone: 061 469 0479 Website: https://1000women.co.za .
Chatbot-initiative ‘a game-changer for women trapped in abusive relationships’ The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust has launched a Chatbot-initiative to provide a 24-hour service to women and children, an intervention set to become a new benchmark for South African organizations working with survivors of gender-based violence. “We developed and completed the Chatbot Initiative, a 24-hour WhatsApp technology-based tool which women and children can access support and educational resources at any point in time on their mobile devices,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder and trustee of 1000 Women Trust. “The real advantage of a tool like the 1000 Women Chatbot lies in how it bridges gaps for women who previously had no access to structured, immediate, and safe guidance,” Thiart said. “Many women in rural or underserved communities may not have access to shelters, councillors, or legal aid. A chatbot can provide instant information via a mobile phone, which is often more accessible than in‑person services. “Unlike human services limited by office hours, the chatbot is always on, offering support at any time of crisis or need. This is why 1000 Women Trust’s Chatbot-initiative is set to be a game changer for the industry,” Thiart said. “The Chatbot-initiative is set to be a lifesaver for women trapped in abusive relationships,” said Bianca Charles, office manager of 1000 Women Trust. “A woman or girl in distress of need can be offered immediate relief as the Chatbot provides a comprehensive database of helplines and centres for immediate assistance,” says Charles. “The Chatbot-initiative offers women access to trauma training and anti-bullying material developed by 1000 Women Trust. It also provides potential lifesaving information like how to get a protection order as well as legislation about women’s rights,” said Charles. “In the first quarter of 2025, the official crime statistics revealed that 10688 rape cases were recorded, while the number of sexual offences totalled 13453. A Human Science Research Council study revealed recently that 7.3 million of SA women were subjected to physical violence in their lifetime. Therefore, the Chatbot-technology is critical,” Charles emphasized. “Unlike human services limited by office hours, the chatbot is always on, offering support at any time of crisis or need,” Charles said. Traditional campaigns often focus on raising awareness, but the chatbot provides immediate, actionable guidance — safety planning, and access to resources, Charles added. “In essence, the chatbot initiative sets a new standard by bridging the gap between awareness and empowerment. It shows that organizations can go beyond telling women “GBV is wrong” to actually helping them escape, rebuild, and thrive,” Charles said. The chatbot-initiative can become an invaluable research ally in the fight against the scourge of GBV, according to Charles. “Anonymized usage data can help organizations understand patterns – like what women ask most, where gips in service delivery exist and which resources are most needed. This evidence-based feedback can allow NGO’s and policy makers to refine strategies in real time,” Charles said. The initiative is the product of a four-month research, development and refinement phase by the Trust and their technology partners. The Chatbot offers 24/7 guidance and safe information, is accessible to all communities and will include stories of hope and resilience as well as training on rights and resources, says Thiart. On WhatsApp, it’s free, fast, and always there when you need it. How to Register 1️⃣ Save 087 373 1585 as a WhatsApp contact 2️⃣ Send “hi” 3️⃣ The chatbot will invite you to complete a sign-up form 1000 Women Trust is a South African non-profit organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide through advocacy, education, and, skill-building. For over 20 years, it has empowered women, trained over 10,000 trauma councilors, and supported community projects to power, inspire and empower women. For more information, visit the Trust’s website on 1000women.co.za or phone (061) 4690479.
1000 Women Trust trauma support training launched on 26 th January 1000 Women Trust has announced the launch of the trauma support training via the 1000 women 1 Voice Chatbot, on Monday 26 th January 2026. The trauma support training is a pivotal part of 1000 Women Trust’s work and has empowered and inspired communities throughout South Africa since its inception. The 1000 Women 1 Voice Chatbot aims to create a highly accessible and safe digital tool for providing information on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), trauma support, and confidence-building skills, said Tina Thiart, co-founder and trustee of 1000 Women Trust. How to register 1️⃣ Save 087 373 1585 as a WhatsApp contact 2️⃣ Send “hi” 3️⃣ The chatbot will invite you to complete a sign-up form Once registered, you’ll be able to: • Access trauma support training courses • Explore resources and helplines • Build confidence and skills • Participate in meaningful research to drive action for women The 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, we've been empowering GBV Community Organisations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience. At 1000 Women, we stand with survivors and the organisations supporting them. We believe in equipping women with knowledge, skills, and resources to chart their own paths towards solutions. Our efforts aim to inspire, educate, and empower women, driving towards gender equality in our communities. For more information about the trauma support training, contact our office on 0614690479 or info@1000women.co.za_ fo@1000women.co.za .
Upcoming launch of the 1000 Women Trust chatbot The 1000 Women Trust is thrilled to announce the launch of our new chatbot, a powerful digital tool created to advance our mission of Inspire, Educate, Empower, and Equip women and children, said Bianca Charles, office manager of 1000 Women Trust. This innovative platform is designed to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide, while offering practical support and resources to communities across South Africa, Charles added. Through the chatbot, we will: Inspire through stories of hope, resilience, and courage. Educate and Empower through training courses and education about GBV laws and procedures. Equip women and children with the skills and resources to support their communities. The chatbot will be a WhatsApp technology-based tool, making it the most accessible platform for communication and learning. With its 24-hour service, women and children can access support and educational resources at any point in time, ensuring help and guidance are always within reach, Charles said. The launch of this chatbot marks a bold step forward in harnessing technology for social good. By combining innovation with compassion, we are creating a safe, accessible space where women and children can find guidance, strength, and solidarity, Charles explained. 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, we've been empowering GBV Community Organisations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience. South Africa grapples with alarming GBV statistics. At 1000 Women Trust, we stand with survivors and the organisations supporting them. We believe in equipping women with knowledge, skills, and resources to chart their own paths towards solutions. Our efforts aim to inspire, educate, and empower women, driving towards gender equality in our communities. For more information, contact the Trust on 0614690479 or email us on info@1000women.co.za .
Death of three women in Matjhabeng municipality during RememberHER-campaign causes uproar, anger The gender-based violence related murders of three women from the Matjhabeng local municipality during 16 days of activism against GBV and femicide, has caused an uproar in the Free State just days before a RememberHer-meeting in Welkom. The woman-led organization 1000 Women Trust launched RememberHER, a nationwide mobilization to honour the women and children whose lives were lost through gender-based violence, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and femicide. “Through storytelling, remembrance, and collective healing, we invite all women’s organisations nationwide to join hands with us by creating “memory corners” – sacred spaces where communities can gather, reflect, and heal,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, when announcing the RememberHER-initiative. The death of Mpho Gladys Nkhobo (46), stabbed to death by her husband in the Matjhabeng local Municipality, has rocked the communities. Glenda Roberts (61), an experienced social worker at the Welkom-office of the Lejwelaputsai-district, was mugged and stabbed to death on her way to work in the morning. And Masesi Merriam Saudi from Thabong, also in the Matjabeng local municipality, was murdered. Sy was on her way to work when she went missing. Says Cynthia Khumalo, a GBV-Warrior and ambassador of 1000 Women Trust: “The Bothaville, Henneman, Odendaalsrus, Welkom and Bultfontein areas are hot spots of gender-based violence and femicide in the Lejweleputswa district.” With regards to rape and sexual offences, the Free State recorded the second highest rape ratio in the country (24.4 %), with significant increases in sexual assaults in some quarters. “We mourn the senseless killings of three innocent women,” said Thiart. “GBVF has just been declared a national disaster. It is pivotal that the South African Police Force (SAPF) act swiftly and decisively to arrest the murderers of these women and that justice is served without delay,” said Thiart. “We need to send the right message to the communities about GBVF,” she added. Thiart said one of the objectives of RememberHER during 16 days of activism is to honour the women who lost their lives through GBV. The scale of GBV is horrific is shocking. Between April 2023 and March 2024, 5,578 women were murdered in South Africa. In just the first quarter of 2025, the country lost 837 women through femicide. That translates to roughly nine women killed every single day. 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, we've been empowering GBV Community Organisations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience. For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on (061)4690479.
Beyond 16 Days launched to expose ‘weakest links in GBV-response chain’ The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust has launched its Beyond 16 Days-initiative, to hold government, the judiciary and the police accountable and to stand in solidarity with South African women who bear the brunt of increased gender-based violence during the summer holiday period, said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust. Thiart said during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and femicide, there is heightened awareness of the scourge. But the biggest challenge comes after 16 Days. “In the holiday period in South Africa, there is a sharp increase in gender-based violence and femicide due to alcohol abuse, stress, and a weakened service delivery by the police and the judiciary,” said Thiart. “Shelters, social services and the police are understaffed or unresponsive. Survivors are left without recourse and increasing risk and trauma. “1000 Women Trust will monitor and document these failures by tracking reports of inaccessible services and collecting survivor testimonies,” Thiart said. Thiart said the police and the courts are often the weakest links in the GBVF response chain due to slow investigations, poor survivor treatment, and low conviction rates undermining trust. “1000 Women Trust can play a bridge-building and accountability role, mobilizing survivors, communities and donors to push for systemic prioritization,” Thiart said. On Thursday 18 th December 2025, 1000 Women Trust will be picketing at the magistrate court in Welkom demanding accountability and action from the police against perpetrators of gender-based violence. The event starts at 10 am. “There has been recent gender-based violence-related killings of women during 16 Days of Activism in the Letjweleputshwa-district, which prompted the action in Welkom. The Bothaville, Henneman, Odendaalsrus, Welkom and Bultfontein areas are hot spots of gender-based violence and femicide,” said Cynthia Khumalo an ambassador of 1000 Women Trust. The death of Mpho Gladys Nkhobo (46), stabbed to death by her husband in the Matjhabeng local Municipality, has rocked the communities. Glenda Roberts (61), an experienced social worker at the Welkom-office of the Lejwelaputsai-district, was mugged and stabbed to death on her way to work in the morning. And Masesi Merriam Saudi from Thabong, also in the Matjabeng local municipality, was murdered. Sy was on her way to work when she went missing. With regards to rape and sexual offences, the Free State recorded the second highest rape ratio in the country (24.4 %), with significant increases in sexual assaults in some quarters, Thiart said. Members of the 1000 Women Trust Gauteng committee will be Kagiso police stations on Friday 19 th December to demand accountability from the police and the judiciary about a child who has been missing since June 2024. The child was with her biological as well as her stepmother when she went missing in June 2024, said Thiart. Thiart said 1000 Women Trust do have a network of more than 50 warriors in GBV-hotspots, providing safe spaces to women who are subjected to violence, in order to support them and accompany them in the immediate aftermath of an attack to a police station and court the next day. “Our call to action is that communities must help us by reporting service failures by the police, courts or clinics. We also ask the public to support our safe room-service by volunteering to help or donating goods to the safe rooms,” Thiart added. “We also ask the community to amplify the voices of survivors and share it on whatsapp, radio or community platforms,” Thiart asked. Thiart said gender-based violence and femicide have been declared a national disaster, and the purpose of Beyond 16 Days is to ensure there is stronger government support for the victims of gender-based violence in the holiday period. “Beyond 16 Days is part of a global campaign and will proceed until 10 th January 2026,” Thiart said. “This initiative is a continuation of our RememberHER-campaign we initiated during 16 Days to honour the lives and legacies of women who lost their lives to gender-based violence before. This campaign mobilized communities to commemorate the lives lost to the second pandemic,” Thiart said. “From April 2023 to March 2024, a total of 5778 women were the victims of femicide. If South Africans do not act in unison, these figures will increase. We must eradicate the second pandemic, but we need a unified front in order to make it happen and that is why Beyond 16 Days is critical,” Thiart added. The 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on (061) 4690479 or email them on info@1000women.co.za .
PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 23RD NOVEMBER 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1000 Women Trust launch RememberHER, to honour women and children who lost lives through GBV The woman-led organization 1000 Women Trust has launched RememberHER, a nationwide mobilization to honour the women and children whose lives were lost through gender-based violence, as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and femicide. Says Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust: “Through storytelling, remembrance, and collective healing, we invite all women’s organisations nationwide to join hands with us by creating “memory corners” – sacred spaces where communities can gather, reflect, and heal. “These spaces serve as living memorials, ensuring that the names and stories of victims are never forgotten, while offering survivors and families a place of real comfort and solidarity,” said Thiart. She added that the scale of GBV is horrific is shocking. Between April 2023 and March 2024, 5,578 women were murdered in South Africa. In just the first quarter of 2025, the country lost 837 women through femicide. That translates to roughly nine women killed every single day. “Through RememberHer, we are reclaiming the places where women were silenced and transforming them into sanctuaries of voice, dignity, and legacy. Every story collected is a voice reclaimed. Every memory corner is a step toward healing and justice,” Thiart added. To the families left behind, our message is clear: You are not alone. Your pain is shared. Your daughter’s name will live on. The RememberHER-initiative is part of a broader movement to transform grief into action, ensuring that remembrance leads to advocacy, healing, and systemic change. “Be part of RememberHER by showing up and registering your organisation as a partner or host a local remembrance activity,” said Thiart. “Speak up by sharing names and stories to the RememberHER archive, and amplify by using your platforms. Tag @1000women1voice and use #RememberHER #PowerInEveryVoice,” Thiart asked. Visualise by mobilising people to wear orange, light candles, or create art, Thiart added. Thiart issued a call to action. “Media houses, community leaders, and the public are invited to cover and support the RememberHER projects during the 16 Days campaign. Together, we can ensure that the lives of women and children lost to GBV are honored, remembered, and never erased,” Thiart added. Contact Information Tina Thiart Co-Founder –1000 Women Trust 📧 Email: projects@1000women.co.za 📞 Phone: +27607597099 🌍 Website: www.1000women.co.za Tina Thiart Contact: womensfundsa@gmail.com Mobile Phone: +27 732079079 South Africa
Declare GBV a national disaster, not just a crisis, demands 1000 Women Trust The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust has joined Women for Change and millions of Women in South Africa demanded that gender-based violence be declared a national disaster, not just a crisis. “Declaring gender-based violence a national disaster, would unlock emergency powers, funding and coordinated action across all levels of government. We need urgent resources, rapid protection, and accountability, not more speeches,” Thiart added. The definition of a national crisis means the acknowledgement that gender-based violence is widespread, severe, and urgent. The implication of such a declaration of GBV as a crisis is that it is treated as a serious social problem requiring policy attention, awareness campaigns, and programmatic interventions. “Government may frame GBV as a crisis in speeches, strategies, or plans, but it does not automatically trigger extraordinary legal or financial mechanisms. Resources are allocated through existing budgets and ministries, for example, justice, police, social development, Response often depends on political will and competing priorities,” Thiart added. But if GBV is declared a national disaster, elevates it to the same level as floods, pandemics and other emergencies, Thiart said. It unlocks extraordinary powers and funding mechanisms — including emergency relief budgets, coordination through the National Disaster Management Centre, and mandatory action across all spheres of government. It enables rapid mobilisation of resources, interdepartmental coordination, and accountability structures that go beyond ordinary policy responses, Thiart said. It signals that GBV is not just a social issue but a systemic emergency threatening national stability, safety, and development. Thiart said framing it as a crisis, risks that GBV is treated as “important but optional,” subject to political cycles, Thiart said. Declaring it as a disaster, forces the state to act with urgency, coordination, and measurable accountability — recognising GBV as a threat to the nation’s survival, dignity, and constitutional rights. “For survivors and communities, this shift means greater access to emergency support, protection, and resources, not just long-term policy promises,” Thiart said. “In short, crisis acknowledges the pain; disaster demands the response,” Thiart emphasized. DeclareGBVaDisaster #1000women1voice #EndGBV #EmergencyResponseNow #NotOneMore #Enoughisenough 1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, we've been empowering GBV Community Organisations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience. South Africa grapples with alarming GBV statistics. In 2024 alone, Minister Bheki Cele reported over 10,500 rapes, 1,500 attempted murders, and 14,400 assaults against women in just three months. Tragically, 881 women were murdered during the same period. Regrettably, we rank third globally in rape cases, highlighting the urgency of our mission. At 1000 Women Trust, we stand with survivors and the organisations supporting them. We believe in equipping women with knowledge, skills, and resources to chart their own paths towards solutions. Our efforts aim to inspire, educate, and empower women, driving towards gender equality in our communities. For more information about 1000 Women Trust, contact us on 0614690479 or send us a mail on info@1000women.co.za
PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 12 TH NOVEMBER 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1000 Women Trust empowers councilors to expand Talking to Boys-program, negating toxic masculinity The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust is launching a comprehensive formal training program on Saturday 15 th November to utilize 200 men as facilitators of a nationwide Talking to Boys-initiative. It is done to help reshape the male identity of South African toddlers, teens and adults by embracing non-violence, gender equality and kindness as a lifestyle and negating toxic masculinity that fuels gender-based violence, said Tina Thiart, co-founder of the Talking to Boys-initiative and co-founder of 1000 Women Trust. Thiart said between July and September 2024, 957 women were murdered, and 10 191 rapes were reported, while 1567 women survived attempted murders. The Human Science Research Council also published a research paper late last year that revealed that 33.1 % of SA women aged 18 or older, suffered physical violence during their lifetime from a male partner. “In order to change this depressing reality, you have to transform the hearts and minds of young men who face a complex web of challenges intersecting with poverty, violence, cultural expectations and systemic neglect,” Thiart said. “And that is why our office manager, Bianca Charles, and s group of social workers have developed a manual on talking to boys, and 200 facilitators will undergo training and then share the Talking to Boys-program with toddlers and teens in all communities, including GBV-hotspots,” Thiart said. If this program and many other like-minded programs, which encourage positive masculinity, are rolled out successfully, South Africa will raise a new generation of young men who no longer subscribe to the harmful notion that a woman is the subordinate or possession of a man, Thiart said. “Many boys grow up without access to counselling, mentorship, or safe spaces for emotional growth,” said Thiart. “Cultural norms often discourage boys from expressing emotions, leading to internalized trauma. “With high rates of fatherlessness, many boys lack healthy examples of masculinity. -“Boys often witness and internalize toxic masculinity, including aggression and dominance,” Thiart said. “Societal expectations push boys to “man up,” discouraging empathy and emotional intelligence. “Boys are both witnesses and, at times, victims of violence, which shapes their worldview,” Thiart said. “There are few structured programs to guide boys through adolescence into adulthood,” Thiart added. “Without affirmation or guidance, boys may feel disconnected from their communities and futures,” Thiart added. Thiart credited the role of several World Cup-hugging national sportsmen whose programs contribute to community, nation-building and positive masculinity. Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s first-ever black Springbok-captain, Kolisi rose from poverty in Zwide to lead the Springboks to double World Cup-triumphs. He is a global advocate for racial equity, responsible fatherhood and GBV-prevention through the Kolisi-foundation. Kagiso Rabada, a fast bowler who spearheaded the Proteas to the test championship title at Lord’s in June, Kg is known for his calm leadership and commitment to youth development. He is vocal about mental health and uses his platform to promote education and social justice. Lucas Radebe, a former Bafana-captain and Leeds United-legend, Radebe is celebrated for his humility, mentorship and anti-violence advocacy. He has long been involved in youth upliftment and community sports programs. Wayde van Niekerk, Olympic gold medallist and record-holder in the 400 m, Van Niekerk is a symbol of discipline and perseverance. He is actively involved in mentoring young athletes and promoting sports as a tool for transformation. Cheslin Kolbe, known for his electrifying speed and game-breaking soli runs, Kolbe’s journey from Kraaifontein to international stardom inspires youth in under resourced communities. He has been praised for his humility and family-centred values. These sport stars challenge stereotypes, defies narrow definitions of masculinity – model care, vulnerability and leadership. They also give back through their foundations, mentorships and advocacy and invest in the next generation, said Thiart. Thiart said a key element of 1000 Women Trust’s Talking to Boys-program is that fathers are inspired to make time to share and model values with their boys like consent, boundaries, respect and non-violence towards girls. “Through our course material, we convey the truths to boys that boys and girls are equal and worth of utmost respect. Fathers must demonstrate that equality by setting an example, by treating their wives with enormous respect, and telling both their sons and daughters how special they are and why he is proud of both the boy and the girl. “That equal affirmation of both the boy and the girl are equal and no gender is subordinate to the other,” Thiart said. In the 1000 Women Trust Talking to Boys program, the counsellors who lead will build safe, healing spaces where boys can ask questions, share fears and learn what it means to be a respectful, empowered young man, Thiart said. “We encourage fathers to make time to talk to their boys at home, in schools, on the field and in your community. “Share your journey. Model accountability and listen deeply. This is not about perfection. It is about presence. “” Because when men show up and make time with their boys, boys grow up differently,” Thiart said. 1000 Women Trust-facilitators in the Talking to Boys-sessions, will engage in certain activities with young boys like talking about “What makes good men” and “What positive masculinity look like”. “Through our Talking to Boys-initiative we not only want to encourage fathers to invest time with their boys. We also want to inspire grandparents, uncles and aunts to invest times with boys in their foundational phase,” Thiart said. “We say this because according to the State of South African Fathers 2024 report, over 64 % of children do not live with their biological fathers, but many are raised by grandparents,” Thiart added. For more information about the Talking to Boys-program, visit the website on www.talkingtoboys.co.za , or visit www.1000women.co.za or send an email to info@1000women.co.za or find the Trust on Whatsupp on (061) 4690479.. About 1000 Women Trust The 1000 Women Trust is a South African organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. The trust empowers women through training, skills development, and resources, and advocates for human rights to create a safer environment for women and girls. It is co-founded by Tina Thiart and has been active for 21 tears, For media enquiries: For more information or English interviews, contact Tina Thiart on 0816970200 or Bianca Charles on 0730903363 or Cynthia Khumalo on 0723862771 . Or contact Zyboonisa Moola Adams on 0815208562 .
Thiart warns that many South African schools are not adequately equipped to address bullying and are failing to take timely action. Many South African schools are ill-prepared to deal with the scourge of bullying that affects 3.2 million learners annually because they do not step up efforts to establish a comprehensive anti-bullying and zero-tolerance policy, said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, a women-led organization and a pioneer in the field of anti-bullying. “It is our responsibility to educate the learners and parents about anti-bully policies and develop a culture of no bullying and restorative practices to prevent this national scourge,” Thiart warned. Thiart spoke in the wake of the assault at Milnerton High School in Cape Town last week where several boys, aged 17 and 18, are seen on video repeatedly hitting a Grade 10-learner with various objects, including a hockey stick, hose pipe and belt and also verbally assaulting him. “The horrifying incident at Milnerton High is not an isolated bullying event as 57 % of SA learners experience bullying in their lifetime. Yet, our research shows that many schools are simply not prepared to deal with this scourge,” Thiart said. “Parents participating in the 1000 Women Trust anti-bully training visited 279 South African schools over the past 365 days and established that only 50 % of them had anti-bullying policies, while only 81 of these schools could share the policies,” said Thiart. “None of those 81 schools had restorative practices for bullying,” Thiart added. “Following the tragic suicide of grade 10 Limpopo girl Lufano Mavhanga after a severe bullying incident in 2021, we sent a team to Limpopo to kick off an anti-bullying campaign and shared our comprehensive anti-bullying toolkit with the schools,” Thiart said. “Schools must establish an anti-bullying and zero-tolerance policy with input from all members of the school community to determine how the school will implement rules of conduct. They must devise a bullying prevention plan that involves all stakeholders in addressing unacceptable actions and in knowing how to endorse positive behaviour,” Thiart said. “During the recent incident at Milnerton High, reports said the footage indicate some learners standing by and recording the assault, while others are encouraging the attackers. At 1000 Women Trust, we educate bystanders on their role to support the victim and become positive upstanders,” Thiart added. “We encourage schools to participate in anti-bullying campaigns and organise workshops for teachers and parents. Involve all learners in the anti-bully campaign” Thiart said. “We must act now. Bullying is linked to gender-based violence as our experience show that 90 % of bullies will become perpetrators of gender-based violence,” Thiart said. “At 1000 Women Trust, we provide counselling to the bully and victim, we also support the school to develop an anti-bully policy and include restorative practices to support all stakeholders,” said Thiart. The 1000 Women Trust invite all parents, teachers and community leaders to participate in its anti-bully training, it is free and on Whatsapp. Schools can also download the training manual from the website www.bullying.co.za or contact (0614690479 for Infographics to use in educating the school about bullying. Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on (073) 2079079 or Bianca Charles on (073) 0903363
