1000 Women

Bullying is a national emergency

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:34:25 GMT

— and South Africa cannot afford to look away

There is a quiet crisis unfolding in our schools.

It doesn’t always make headlines. It doesn’t always leave visible bruises. But every day, across South Africa, children are walking into classrooms carrying fear, shame, and silence.

Nearly 40% of learners experience bullying. One in three teenagers faces it online — where it follows them home, into their bedrooms, onto their phones, long after the school bell rings. This is not “part of growing up.” It is harm. It is trauma. It is a national emergency.

April marks Stress Awareness Month — a reminder that for many young people, stress is not an abstract concept. It is lived. It is daily. And bullying is one of its most relentless drivers. “ Children are carrying silent scars ,” says Tina Thiart, Co-Founder and Trustee of 1000 Women Trust. “ From playgrounds to WhatsApp groups, bullying is constant. And its impact runs deep .”

Behind the statistics are real consequences: anxiety, depression, isolation, and in the most devastating cases, suicidal thoughts. Research continues to show a direct link between bullying and long-term mental health challenges — affecting not only how children learn, but how they see themselves and their place in the world. For many, school becomes a place to escape from, not to. An estimated 100,000 learners stay away from school each year because of bullying.

And yet, most suffer in silence.

67% of learners do not report bullying because they believe nothing will change.

That silence creates space for harm to continue. It allows bullying to thrive unchecked.

Globally, institutions like the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention identify bullying as a major risk factor for suicide-related behaviour. The message is clear: prevention cannot sit with one group alone. It requires all of us.

Schools. Families. Communities. Government. Civil society.

“ This is a collective responsibility, ” Thiart says. “ And it demands urgent, coordinated action. ”

1000 Women Trust is calling for a shift from reaction to prevention, from silence to accountability.

Schools must adopt survivor-centred anti-bullying policies and strengthen mental health support systems. Parents and caregivers must create safe spaces for honest conversations about bullying, about online safety, about what children are experiencing but may struggle to name. Government and civil society must recognise bullying prevention as central to tackling broader issues like gender-based violence and youth suicide.

Because bullying does not exist in isolation. It is part of a larger culture and if left unchallenged, normalises harm.

The solution begins with culture change. An anti-bullying culture where every learner understands what respect looks like, where reporting is safe and taken seriously, and where accountability is visible — is not optional. It is essential.

“ Bullying is not children being children, ” Thiart emphasises. “ It is a public health crisis that robs young people of their safety, dignity, and sometimes their lives .”

At 1000 Women Trust, the commitment is clear: amplify survivor voices, equip communities, and ensure that every child can learn and grow without fear.

More than 11,000 teachers, parents, and learners have already accessed the Trust’s free anti-bullying resources.

But this work cannot be done alone.

If you are a parent, teacher, or community member, you are part of the solution.

Join the movement. Start the conversation. Take action!

1. To access 1000 Women Trust’s Anti-Bullying training on WhatsApp, send “Hi” to 087 373 1585.

2. To order the Toolkit send a WhatsApp to 061 469 0479 provide the Paxi address

3. Visit www.antibully.co.za for all the information and free downloads

4. To organise an intervention at your school email info@1000women.co.za

International Women’s Day: When a Woman Rises, the World Changes

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 07:07:36 GMT

The Power of A Woman

Every year on International Women's Day — celebrated on March 8 — the world pauses to honour the strength, courage, and brilliance of women everywhere. But this day is more than flowers and hashtags. It is a global reminder that the fight for equality, dignity, and safety is not finished.

It is a call to action.

The Power of a Woman

A woman is not just a title — she is life-giver, nurturer, strategist, leader, healer, innovator, protector, and change-maker. Across communities, women are building businesses from nothing, leading movements for justice, raising families through hardship, breaking generational cycles, and standing tall in spaces that once tried to exclude them.

From boardrooms to classrooms, from rural villages to global stages, women are shaping the future.

And yet — too many still fight battles in silence.

The Reality We Must Confront

Gender-based violence
Economic inequality
Limited access to education
Workplace discrimination
Cultural and systemic barriers

In many communities, women carry the weight of survival — emotionally, financially, and physically — often without recognition. International Women’s Day asks us not only to celebrate women, but to protect them. To uplift them. To invest in them.

Because empowering women is not charity — it is strategy.

When women are educated, families thrive.

When women are safe, communities prosper.

When women lead, nations transform.

Courage Is Contagious

History has shown us what happens when women refuse to remain silent. Women have marched, organised, legislated, healed, and rebuilt societies. They have demanded equal pay, reproductive rights, safety from violence, and representation in leadership.

And the truth is — the courage of one woman often unlocks the courage of many.

This is why mentorship matters. Why safe spaces matter. Why speaking up matters.

What This Day Should Mean

How are we creating safer spaces for women and girls?
Are we raising sons who respect women?
Are we supporting women-owned businesses?
Are we calling out injustice when we see it?

Let this day move beyond symbolism. Let it become commitment.

To Every Woman Reading This

You are not invisible.

You are not “too much.”

You are not behind.

Your voice carries power. Your story carries purpose. Your healing carries impact.

Even when the world feels heavy, your existence is revolutionary.

Keep rising. Keep building. Keep speaking.

Because when one woman rises — she lifts generations with her.

And that is not just powerful.

That is unstoppable.

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.

1000 Women Trust: an open invitation to invest CSI-funds and empower SA women

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:19:31 GMT

1000 Women Trust: an open invitation to invest CSI-funds and empower SA women

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’

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:37:29 GMT

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 26th January

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:42:46 GMT

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

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 14:40:31 GMT

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.

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

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:20:49 GMT

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.

For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on (061)4690479.

Beyond 16 Days launched to expose ‘weakest links in GBV-response chain’

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:18:53 GMT

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 .

1000 Women Trust launch RememberHER, to honour women and children who lost lives through GBV

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:34:51 GMT

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

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 17:55:27 GMT

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

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

1000 Women Trust empowers councilors to expand Talking to Boys-program, negating toxic masculinity

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:04:34 GMT

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.

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:36:26 GMT

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

October Awareness: A month to heal, unite and empower

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:41:20 GMT

October Awareness: A month to heal, unite and empower

By Zyboonisa Moola Adams 1000 Women Trust Ambassador

October is a month of deep reflection, courage, and compassion — a time when our collective focus turns to Mental Health Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Domestic Violence Awareness.

It is a month that reminds us that healing is not only physical, but emotional and spiritual — and that our health, safety, and peace of mind are all connected.

Across South Africa and the world, October shines as a beacon of hope — painted in three powerful colours: Green for Mental Health Awareness, Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, and Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness.

Each ribbon carries its own message, but together they weave a story of resilience, awareness, and empowerment. Mental Health Awareness Mental health affects how we think, feel, and live each day.

Yet too many still suffer in silence, fearing stigma or judgment.

This October, we are reminded that it’s okay not to be okay — and it’s brave to seek help.

Emotional wellness is the foundation upon which we build strong families and thriving communities. Healing begins with conversation. Let us break the silence, offer listening ears, and create safe spaces where no one feels alone.

The pink ribbon stands as a symbol of strength, early detection, and sisterhood. Breast cancer continues to impact the lives of thousands of women and families each year. But with awareness, education, and regular screenings, lives can be saved.

Let this month inspire every woman to prioritise her health — to do self-examinations, attend screenings, and encourage others to do the same. Early detection truly saves lives. Behind every survivor is a story of faith, endurance, and community support.

Together, we wear pink to honour them — and to remind others that hope is stronger than fear.

Domestic violence remains one of the greatest threats to women and families across our nation. It hides in silence, behind closed doors, and under the weight of shame. But it must be confronted with truth, support, and courage.

As an ambassador with the 1000 Women Trust, I have seen the power of women standing together — breaking the cycle of violence through empowerment, trauma counselling, and education. No woman should ever have to choose between safety and survival.

Let us build communities that say no more — no more fear, no more silence, no more abuse.

A month of collective healing, October is not just about awareness — it is about action. It is about reaching out to someone struggling with their mental health, encouraging a loved one to book a screening, and offering support to a survivor seeking safety.

Healing begins when we stand together — when compassion becomes our common language. Let us wear our ribbons with pride — green, pink, and purple — as symbols of unity, strength, and hope. Together, we can build a world where mental health is prioritised, illness is met with support, and violence is replaced with love and respect.

South Africa grapples with alarming GBV statistics. In 2023 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.

For more information, visit 1000 Women Trust on www.1000women.co.za or email us on info@1000women.co.za .

Testimony of hope during mental health awareness month: Esmé Julies

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 17:45:10 GMT

CAPE TOWN. - Esmé Julies is providing a bed and a meal to homeless children in Kalkfontein, a safe space for abused women and hope for young people seeking employment.

But her transformation would not have been possible if she did not seek professional help while married to an abusive husband.

“In October 2024, the HSRC’s first national study on GBV revealed that 33.1 % of women aged 18 years and older had experienced physical violence in their lifetime. This translated to an estimated 7310 389 women when generalised to the SA population. I was part of those 33.1 % women,” said Julies.

“I was married to a husband for 16 years. At the infancy stage of our relationship, all went well. But gradually, I found out that my husband had a relationship with another woman. When I confronted him because he was never at home, he became violent.

“He once hit me with a shovel. On another occasion, I suffered a stab wound after he attacked me with a knife,” she said.

“Things changed when I was introduced to the trauma training material of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust,” Julies said.

“The trauma training course became a catalyst for my healing,” she said.

“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,” Julies said.

“Sharing my experience with others and doing the trauma training course, enabled me to stand up to my husband’s physical, emotional and financial abuse. I also went to court to fight him and I eventually won back my house in court,” Julies says.

“The leadership of Tina Thiart of 1000 Women Trust was also a factor and through her I became a GBV-ambassador of the (Western Cape) Department of Social Development,” she said.

Julies is a director of the NPO Women rebuilding broken hearts.

She daily provides a safe space for homeless children and to women who are survivors of GBV, said Julies in her role as GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust.

When asked what her advice would be to women who are caught up in abusive relationships during mental health awareness month, Julies said: “Do not remain silent. Share your story with other people. Join a support group.

“Get trauma training, receive some job training and empowerment from business leaders. But don’t suffer in silence and in isolation,” Julies said.

1000 Women Trust works to end gender-based violence (GBV) by empowering women and girls, providing resources and skills, advocating for policy change, raising awareness, and offering direct support through initiatives like GBV Community advice offices, trauma training, and anti-bullying programs.

They collaborate with community organizations and government to mobilize resources and support survivors.

For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone them on (061) 4690479.

March to parliament on Heritage Day organized to demand reform to justice system

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 16:45:57 GMT

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF SOCIAL IMPACT WITH PEARL: 18 ^TH SEPTEMBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March to parliament on Heritage Day organized to demand reform to justice system

CAPE TOWN. - On Heritage Day (24 ^th September), South Africans will gather outside the Cape Town High Court for the March for Justice, a peaceful civil society action demanding accountability, fairness, and reform to the justice system, said Pearl Walsh, activist and founder of Social Impact With Pearl.

“This march is not about one case. It is about systemic failures that touch the lives of women, children, pensioners, GBV survivors, and vulnerable families across South Africa,” Walsh said.

“Justice Desk Africa recently said: Justice is the bedrock of any democracy. It is the mechanism by which societies protect their most vulnerable and uphold the rule of law. However, when a justice system fails in its duty to protect and deliver fair outcomes, it does not just betray victims — it fractures the very fabric of our nation, and I am in full agreement,” Walsh added.

The case of Timothy Omotoso, a well-documented example of judicial delay and inefficiency, highlights the failures of a system that too often places the burden on victims rather than perpetrators.

These failures are also evident in the murder trial of former Bafana Bafana captain, Senzo Meyiwa, who was killed in October 2014. Endless delays and postponements to the case have eroded public trust in the justice system.

In September 2021, 15-year-old Zenizole Vena was gang-raped and later died at the Motherwell Police Station. Four years later, her family and friends have seen no justice served for this heinous crime.

“This is not just one woman’s fight. It is for every South African who has been silenced by the courts. It is for our children’s future. It is for justice, equality, and truth. We must get rid of the rot in the legal system. What is Heritage without Justice,” said Walsh.

“What is freedom without equality? This march is for the people, by the people, to affirm that our Constitution is not just words on paper but a living promise of dignity, fairness, humility, humanity, and accountability.

“We march because courts are failing women, children, and vulnerable families. Judges are protecting corrupt lawyers, advocates, forensic specialists, psychologists, mediators, trustees, and executors,” Walsh said.

“We march because estates worth millions and billions are being looted through international tax frauds, with support of judges, and with no accountability,” she added.

“Self-represented citizens are being silenced instead of supported.

“The average citizen does not have access to the courts nor the financial means to afford a lawyer.

“The same legal networks that shielded corporate corruption in the past continue unchecked today,” Walsh added.

“We demand equal access to justice for all citizens, accountability from judges & the Master of the High Court, the termination of fraudulent liquidation of estates and end to judicial corruption and bias,” Walsh said.

“We demand government support for the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) and grassroots lawyers and government support for more mixed-race lawyers and advocates, and more female lawyers and advocates, not only for elite white and Jewish law firms who own buildings built from exorbitant fees charged to citizens.

“The state is designed to fail the people, and the Rules of Law are bent backwards for the wealthy clients,” Walsh added.

Walsh said many individuals and NGOs will join the march for justice and she expect that a thousand people will join. The march will start at the Cape Town High Court at 10:00 on Heritage Day.

The march will take place in collaboration with PMC, 1000 Women Tust, ADHD NDK Foundation, Kevin Alexander Foundation, Tusam Organization, ASIC Media, GBV Support Group, Freedom Front Plus (VF+), Black Lawyers Assocation and funders.

About Social Impact With Pearl:

It is an initiative that vows to expose judicial dysfunction, protect the vulnerable and bring humility back to humanity through human dignity.

Press release compiled on behalf of Social Impact With Pearl. For more information or interviews, contact Pearl Walsh on (076) 6050090 or on pearlwalsh2014@gmail.com

Increase in extortion by traditional healers, ukuthwala must be investigated

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:35:58 GMT

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 8 ^TH SEPTEMBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

‘Increase in extortion by traditional healers, ukuthwala must be investigated’

There is an alarming increase in cases of traditional healers who are abducting young girls and boys and approaching parents to pay extortion money by threatening them that their children will die if they don’t pay, said Thuto Setlogelo, an ambassador of the women-led organization1000 Women Trust and deputy director of risk management at the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

“I have personally handled cases where sangomas took children without the consent of the parents and refused to release them unless they pay extortion money,” said Setlogelo.

“I handled the case of a 23-year old girl in Ladybrand when I accompanied the mother from Bloemfontein to fetch the daughter. I have also handled the case of a 25-year old man, also abducted by sangomas without the parents’ consent and who refused to release them unless the parents pay ransom,” said Setlogelo.

“These traditional healers have transgressed the ethical code and are clueless about the laws pertaining to bullying and gender-based violence,” said Setlogelo.

Setlogelo says she is in talks with the department of health as well as with mor regeneration leaders to do roadshows and workshops in the Free State engaging with traditional leaders so that they can understand the legislation and legal framework.

“These sangomas work informally but there is no compliance with the law,” she says.

“Some of these traditional healers are bullies who abduct youth and adults into initiation processes without consent of parents and extort parents with threats to the victim that their lives will end tragically if parents do not pay,” she warned.

Cynthia Khumalo, an ambassador and board member of 1000 Women Trust, said: “Some self-proclaimed healers see extortion as a quick way to make money. I had a case that a learner was raped by a traditional healer and threatened her that if she says anything about it he is going to kill the whole family,” Khumalo added.

“Threats give them control over vulnerable families who fear spiritual consequences,” Khumalo said.

Although healers are recognised under the Traditional Health Practitioners Act (2007), many operate informally, outside any code of ethics, Khumalo said.

Families fear speaking out because questioning a healer may be seen as disrespectful to ancestors, Khumalo said.

Authentic healers serve communities, preserve life, and accept reasonable compensation.

Abusers exploit fear, demand unreasonable money, and harm families – they are not healers but extortionists hiding behind culture, Khumalo said.

“Payment for healing is part of our culture, but when money is demanded through threats, abduction, or fear, that is no longer healing – it is extortion, it is abuse, and it is criminal,” Khumalo said.

Setlogelo said she plans roadshows engaging with traditional healers, where she will personally train them to ensure that they do trauma training courses and an anti-bully course so that they integrate these materials into their initiation schools and abide by a code of conduct.

Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, said there must be a renewed spotlight on harmful cultural practices that endanger the lives of young women in South Africa, including abuse by traditional healers and Ukuthwala.

“Ukuthwala is the South African term for bride kidnapping, the practice of a man abducting a young girls and forcing her into marriage, often without the consent of her parents.

“These marriages by capture occur mainly in rural parts of South Africa, in particular the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal,” Thiart said.

“In one year – 2021 – 34 young girls were killed by their “husbands” in the Eastern Cape, and indication that Ukuthwala is still in practice,” Thiart added.

Palesa Mbowe, an ambassador and board member of 1000 Women Trust, says in the Eastern Cape cases have been reported where young girls (some as young as 12 or 13) were abducted under the pretense of Ukuthwala and forced into marriages with older men.

Survivors described been taken from school, beaten into submission and denied education. Some suffered early pregnancies, health complication and lifelong trauma.

“This shown how culture can be twisted into abuse. True African tradition never supported the destruction of children’s futures,” said Mboweni. “There have been cases of women killed by partners who claimed that violence was a form of discipline or manhood,” she added.

The practice of Ukuthwala is still rife in the country and is possibly one of the multiple causes of teenage pregnancies. In the past financial year there was more of 122000 teenagers who gave birth, with 2718 young girls aged 10 to 14 and 119587 teens aged 15 to 19, Thiart added.

Recently, the Eastern Cape Aids-council revealed that more than 300 girls aged between 10 and 14 gave birth in the Eastern Cape since April 2024. More than 15000 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 gave birth at public healthcare facilities in the 2024/2025 financial year.

Some of the cases of girls falling pregnant, have links to Ukuthwala, says Thiart.

Khumalo said the abuse of traditional healing and the distortion of Ukuthwala are urgent threats to South Africa’s women and children. These practices are not culture — they are crimes.

“We must stop hiding behind the word ‘tradition.’ Ukuthwala is child trafficking, and healer extortion is criminal abuse. Our girls deserve safety, education, and the chance to grow up free from violence,” Khumalo said.

Thiart said when a girl of between 10 and 14 falls pregnant, it is statutory rape and should be investigated and the perpetrator must face the consequences of his actions.

There must also be a formal investigation into the practices of traditional healers abducting men and women, and of the practice of ukuthwala. The perpetrators of ukuthwala must face lengthy jail time, and the practice must be rooted out and eradicated.

Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Palesa Mboweni on 0815175645 or contact Cynthia Khumalo on 0723862771.t 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or visit the website on www.1000women.co.za .

1000 Women Trust’s powerful trauma volunteer training course is scaling new heights – reaches milestone of 20000

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:32:19 GMT

Uyinene Mrewetyana-march and 1000 Women Trust’s continuous work in communities

The annual Uyinene Mrwetyana Memorial March is proving to have a profound positive impact on the ground, particularly in shifting attitudes among men and young boys.

On Saturday 23 ^rd August 2025, Staff and students from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and other institutions; pupils, staff, and members of the public braved cold and rainy weather to take part in the anti-gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) walk. The march stretched from Darling Street, near the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, to Parliament.

This year’s theme, “Reimagining Safety: Developing the Boy Child as Catalysts for Change”, was chosen to highlight the role of nurturing, educating, and empowering boys as part of building a safer society for all. The march was organised by the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation (UMF), in partnership with UCT and organisations such as Langa For Men. (Source: University of Cape Town news, 26 ^th August 2025).

The event honoured the memory of 19-year-old Uyinene Mrwetyana, a UCT student who was raped and murdered by postal worker Luyanda Botha at the Clareinch Post Office in 2019, as well as all victims of GBVF. Popular artist Zolani Mahola moved the crowd with a powerful performance.

Leading the march were Uyinene’s mother, Noma Mrwetyana; UCT Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness Professor Elelwani Ramugondo; and former Western Cape MEC for Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, among others.

While GBV cases increase, efforts like the Uyinene Mrwetyana Memorial March are making a positive impact.

Although the pain of Uyinene’s death remains, her mother said she has witnessed signs of change. A traffic officer told her that Uyinene’s story brought him closer to his daughter, who is at university. (Source: University of Cape Town news, 26 ^th August 2025).

“So, change is happening on the ground. We may not see it, but in the minds of men there is some change in how they view young girls and how they raise their children. There are many women who have been saved because of Uyinene’s passing. We are saying no other woman must go through what she went through.”

Addressing the marchers, Professor Ramugondo rooted her call to action in South Africa’s history and collective responsibility.

“You can’t live when you have harmed a woman because land is incubated within these very bodies. We’re not talking about physical death … you exist only in flesh, but you are gone. You are no longer a human being in the sense of ubuntu. When a woman’s body becomes a weapon of war in a country that is otherwise not at war, something is broken.”

Tina Thiart, cofounder of 1000 Women Trust, said the violent death of Uyinene Mrwetyana sparked a national uproar and demands from women-led organization for change which led to the first presidential summit against gender-based violence and femicide.

1000 Women Trust has been at the forefront of the campaign to change the hearts and minds of toddlers, teenagers and men through its Talking to Boys-campaign, a campaign that is ongoing.

“But we are also equipping communities to deal with the avalanche of gender-based violence through our GBV-Warriors who, at safe rooms, create safe spaces for women who were subjected to gender-based violence. Our quest to equip 52 safe rooms with resources where our GBV-Warriors can assist affected women and children, are continuing,” Thiart said.

1000 Women Trust collaborate with Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and women-led groups to raise awareness and support survivors of GBV. Our belief: with access to knowledge, skills, and resources, women can find their own solutions. We advocate for gender equality in our communities.

For more information, contact the Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone on 061-4690479.

Uyinene Mrewetyana-march and 1000 Women Trust’s continuous work in communities

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 20:30:37 GMT

Advocate makes alarming claims about victims of child rape admitted to Care Centers

About 60 to 65 % of people treated at the Thuthuzela Care Centers are children who are raped in their family homes in South Africa, says advocate Tarisai Mchuchu-MacMillan, executive director of the Mosaic women’s training service and healing centre.

Adv. Mchuchu-MacMillan spoke at a women-in-dialogue-event, hosted by the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, a pioneer in the field of creating awareness of gender-based violence, at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town during the weekend.

More than 250 women attended the glittering event and were welcomed by Marlene le Roux, CEO of the Artscape Theatre.

Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, said these alarming revelations form part of a bigger picture pf 113 women that are raped every day. According to a recent study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) an estimated total of 1 338 336 women were abused roughly between January and December of 2021 and 432 525 women were sexually abused.

When one pay tribute to the more than 20000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 ^th August 1956 in protest against the extension of pass laws to women, one must also pay tribute to the more than 950 SA women that are murdered in each quarter of the year, she said.

Thiart also referred to the statistics that underline the gender inequality that still exist in South Africa. “One in five girls get married before they get to the age of 16 and one in four girls do not enroll at secondary school,” she said.

“In South Africa, women, on average earn 30 % less than men, and of the 50000 sexual offences that are reported annually, most go unpunished,” Thiart added.

“Girls in rural areas are twice as likely to drop out of school than in metropolitan areas,” Thiart said.

Thiart emphasized the commitment by 1000 Women Trust of providing resources to 52 safe houses in South Africa over the next few months in support of warriors in GBV-hotspots across the country to assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

These safe houses fill the void in the period between an attack in the evening and the next day when these warriors will escort the women to the police stations, Thuthuzela Care Centres or the courts to lay charges.

Felicity An Guest, a child maintenance expert who suffered economic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, warned at the event that a dysfunctional child maintenance court and system is often weaponized to punish the ex-wives in South Africa.

She said 60 % of women in South Africa who are divorced, get zero child support due to a dysfunctional child support system. “Ultimately, these courts can become a form of oppression and make these women more vulnerable to more abuse by their ex-husbands,” she warned

Lynn Hill, a globally recognized motivational speaker who overcame rape, said in a poem at the women-in-dialogue-event: “Pain became my second name and my gateway to victory. My roar is to live a purposeful life. Self-love amplifies my presence in the world.”

Leonie Viljoen, a gender activist who ascended Kilimanjaro at the end of June to create awareness of GBV and femicide, said she raised more than R20000 through her efforts for 1000 Women Trust. “The climb underlined the fact that ordinary women can still do extraordinary things,” she said.

For more information about 1000 Women Trust, contact the Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone on 061 469 0479 .

Advocate makes alarming claims about victims of child rape admitted to Care Centers

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 17:15:34 GMT

Advocate makes alarming claims about victims of child rape admitted to Care Centers

More than 250 women attended the glittering event and were welcomed by Marlene le Roux, CEO of the Artscape Theatre.

“In South Africa, women, on average earn 30 % less than men, and of the 50000 sexual offences that are reported annually, most go unpunished,” Thiart added.

“Girls in rural areas are twice as likely to drop out of school than in metropolitan areas,” Thiart said.

For more information about 1000 Women Trust, contact the Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone on 061 469 0479 .

1000 Women Trust host Women in Dialogue-event – highlight on social calendar of Cape Town – on 8th August 2025

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:24:10 GMT

1000 Women Trust host Women in Dialogue-event – highlight on social calendar of Cape Town – on 8 ^th August 2025

In celebration of women’s month, 1000 Women Trust, a pioneer in the field of the creation of awareness of gender-based violence, will host one of the social highlights on the calendar of Cape Town - the women in Dialogue event – formally known as the dialogue on gender-based violence and systemic change. It will happen on 8 ^th August 2025 at the Chandelier Foyer, Artscape Theatre, Cape Town - a powerful platform where women’s voices, experiences, and solutions take center stage. The starting time is 12:00.

About women in dialogue on gender-based violence and systemic change: In South Africa, women and girls face unequal access to education, healthcare, safety and economic opportunities. Gender-based violence, wage gaps and under representation in leadership are alarming systems of a deeper, systemic issue. That is the topic that will be discussed on Friday 8 ^th August in the Chandelier Foyer at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town.

(Group Tables are available at R2000 per table for eight people).

The program, that starts on 12:00, will feature a candle lighting ceremony, a welcoming word by Wendy Ackerman, founder member of 1000 Women Trust, while Leonie Viljoen will share her experience of successfully ascending Kilimanjaro and scaling the heights for the sake of and benefit of women who suffered sexual assaults and abuse. Another highlight of the program will be a panel discussion and table dialogue on women’s inequality – economically and in leadership positions. Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust and trustee, will deliver her annual report.

Lara Fouche, social media manager of 1000 Women Trust, will be the MC, while Bianca Charles will act as event coordinator.

Although the Women in Dialogue-event take centre stage in August, this is only part of 1000 Women Trust’s activities during Women’s Month.

1000 Women Trust is providing free on-line trauma volunteer training in August so that women in communities all over the country can create a safe space for others affected by gender-based violence. This free trauma training counseling can be accessed on Whatsapp on (061)4690479 .

The Trust also provides free on-line counseling for women in August 2025. Women can phone 061-4690479 to access this counseling service.

The Trauma training course of 1000 Women Trust has been a success-story for over five years and 15000 women have completed it. The course have received rave reviews and have been one of the cornerstones of the work done by GBV-Warriors in hotspots afflicted by domestic abuse.

A total of 57400 pamphlets creating awareness of gender-based violence have been distributed by the Trust.

If you as are able to attend the Women in Dialogue-event, please contact Bianca Charles on 0730903362 .

For more information about the Trust, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or contact the Trust by mail on info@1000women.co.za

Mboweni highlights gender equity-challenges at C20-conference

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:30:51 GMT

Mboweni highlights gender equity-challenges at C20-conference

Focusing on gender equality in all sectors of South African life, highlighting the factors that undermine that equity, and making people aware of the sterling work done by 1000 Women Trust to equip women to stand firm against perpetrators of gender-based violence, were part and parcel of Palesa Mboweni’s contribution at the C20 conference in Johannesburg.

Mboweni, a 1000 Women Trust GBV Warrior, headed one of the 14 groups at the C20-conferences which discussed gender equity – not only in South Africa but on the continent as the C20 is representing all 19 countries that form part of the G20.

The G20 aims to ensure their voices are heard. The C20, a gathering of various civil society organisations across 14 working groups, is tasked with developing policy proposals to be presented to government, comes just 23 weeks before South Africa is set to be the first African county to host the G20 Summit.

The C20 aims to ensure that world leaders pay attention to the recommendations and demands of organized civil society. The goal is to boost social and economic development and human rights. The C20 seeks economic justice and efficient resource allocation to achieve this by “leaving no one behind.”

A focal point – under the theme of “solidarity, equality and sustainability” is to address the fight against hunger, poverty and inequality and to promote governance reform.

Mboweni says the greater access of SA women to skills development programs under digital in was emphasized by the gender equity group.

The gender disparity between men and women in South Africa is well known. In 2024, the labour force participation of men stood at 65.6 %, compared to 55.8 % for women.

In South Africa, women are paid on average, between 23 and 35 % less than men for the same work. This means that for every R100 a man is paid, a woman earn between R65 and R77. Some areas show a much wider disparity.

Since 2016, the unemployment rate of women are generally higher than men – 36 % for women compared to 30 % for men, according to Stats SA.

Mboweni says that high unemployment rate can sometimes cause desperateness amongst women and girls, which could be make them vulnerable to abuse – like a sex-for-job culture.

“In our working Group we spoke about gender-based violence, and the way it hampers or undermine the effectiveness of women in the workplace. One of those factors is harassment. We emphasized that the law enforcement agencies must be strengthened in order to deal more effectively with gender-based violence and root it out,” said Mboweni.

According to study by KPMG done in 2014, the economic cost of gender-based violence was between R28.4 and R42.4 billion.

“At the C20, we highlighted the importance of the right education in order to underline the equality of women to men and why there is a need for economic equality,” Mboweni said.

Mboweni, who was subjected to gender-based violence for an extended period, highlighted the tireless work done by 1000 Women Trust to equip women and communities with the right skills to deal with abuse and violence.

One of those courses is the First Responders course that equips women with skills and knowledge during emergencies – like filling in forms to obtain a protection order, how to approach the South African Police Services and the courts.

She also referred to the superb quality of the social auxiliary work training that 1000 Women Trust provide for the GBV-Warriors in order to assist these Warriors to provide a safe space for women, girls and disabled people subjected to gender-based violence.

1000 Women Trust has presented meaningful contributions in order to shape policy development for Civil Society and is positive that their voice will be heard at the G20 summit in November, says Mboweni.

Provincial minister joins forces with 1000 Women to transport resources to safe houses

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 19:28:52 GMT

1000 Women Trust plead for community-support for safe rooms on Mandela Day

The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust is imploring communities to honour Madiba’s legacy on Mandela Day on Friday 18 ^th July by giving back to those in need by donating blankets, clothes, non-perishable food, household goods and paint to safe rooms where community stalwarts are serving survivors of gender-based violence.

These community stalwarts are called GBV-Warriors and the safe rooms where they serve abused women are part of Project Orange, launched by 1000 Women Trust.

The GBV-Warriors-campaign and Project Orange were initiated by 1000 Women Trust in August 2024 to provide critical support to women and children severely impacted by gender-based violence, particularly within the crucial first 24 hours after an attack.

Tina Thiart, executive trustee of 1000 Women Trust, said through interviews conducted with 500 community women in 2023, it was established that there is desperate need for safe spaces for women especially during the 24-hours after gender-based violence occurred.

The GBV-Warriors are foot soldiers who are on the ground in communities, providing crucial support to abused women.

They are women who have completed trauma and anti-bully training, facilitated #HearMeToo sessions, partnered with social workers or counsellors, have worked closely with police and have organized GBV awareness initiatives in the community, said Thiart.

Project Orange, in essence, is the availability of safe rooms managed by trained GBV-Warriors in the community who will establish a comfortable and welcoming environment to women who are victims of GBV.

There they will receive assistance in these rooms before transitioning to service providers the next day, like shelters and Thuthuzela Care Centres.

“The long term plan is to train 250 women to be GBV-Warriors and so far we have 118. The initiative on Mandela Day on Friday 18 ^th Jul to reach out to communities to provide material for safe rooms, will help us to better equip GBV-Warriors so that they could provide vital assistance for women who are in the cross-fire of gender-based violence and abuse in the country,” Thiart said.

“The safe rooms and Project Orange are vital in assisting women in South Africa, as 114 women are daily raped and 170 are daily the victims of sexual assault,” Thiart said.

People who want to donate can do it on the following platforms:

GivenGain:

Shortened link for GivenGain: https://www.givengain.com/project/GBV-Safe-Room

EFT:

NEDBANK – Savings Account

1000 Women Trust

Account Number: 9022837766

Branch Code: 198765

Paypal:

https://paypal.me/TThiart?country.x=ZA&locale.x=en_US

Donate Goods - Blanlets, Clothes, Non perishable foods:

Contact the 1000 Women Office @ 061 469 0479

1000 Women Trust plead for community-support for safe rooms on Mandela Day

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:02:20 GMT

1000 Women Trust plead for community-support for safe rooms on Mandela Day

These community stalwarts are called GBV-Warriors and the safe rooms where they serve abused women are part of Project Orange, launched by 1000 Women Trust.

The GBV-Warriors are foot soldiers who are on the ground in communities, providing crucial support to abused women.

There they will receive assistance in these rooms before transitioning to service providers the next day, like shelters and Thuthuzela Care Centres.

“The safe rooms and Project Orange are vital in assisting women in South Africa, as 114 women are daily raped and 170 are daily the victims of sexual assault,” Thiart said.

People who want to donate can do it on the following platforms:

GivenGain:

Shortened link for GivenGain: https://www.givengain.com/project/GBV-Safe-Room

EFT:

NEDBANK – Savings Account

1000 Women Trust

Account Number: 9022837766

Branch Code: 198765

Paypal:

https://paypal.me/TThiart?country.x=ZA&locale.x=en_US

Donate Goods - Blanlets, Clothes, Non perishable foods:

Contact the 1000 Women Office @ 061 469 0479

Moonsamy approaches CNN after lack of action on murder-case of her daughter

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:10:15 GMT

A frustrated and desperate mother, Kathreen Moonsamy, has approached CNN to share her anger about the failure of the South African Police Service to act decisively after the murder of her daughter, Eden Moonsamy, who died from unnatural causes – possibly due to somebody who struck her with a blunt object against the head.

Yet, there has been no justice for the family of the 19-year old Moonsamy.

“That is why I approached Cable News Network (CNN), a multinational news organisation operating as a website and TV channel and headquartered in Atlanta,” says Kathreen Moonsamy.

Moonsamy was murdered in Bellair in Ethekwini – and passed away on 23rd December 2023. According to the death certificate she died of unnatural causes.

She suffered blunt force trauma to the head. Yet the police have failed to do a full and thorough investigation, says Kathreen Moonsamy. And nobody has been charged for the murder, despite the fact that the former boyfriend and his family were there with Eden before and after her attack.

Moonsamy was taken to hospital by her former boyfriend, who subsequently phoned Kathreen to tell her she is in hospital due to a “panic attack.”

When Eden’s father visited the hospital where she was on a ventilator, he saw that she had bruises and cuts across her body.

“She was brain dead the moment she arrived at hospital and passed away seven days later,” says Moonsamy.

The investigator did not take statements from Eden’s friends. One of the close friends of Eden claim that the boyfriend of Eden assaulted her with a firearm on several occasions.

“The former boyfriend, who is suspected of committing the murder, was very controlling of my daughter,” said Kathreen.

“He apparently had a hold on her and she was afraid of him,” Moonsamy said.

“I have tried in vain to get the investigating officer to open a docket of murder. When I asked him why they don’t investigate further, he says it is complicated. I phoned the office of the regional police commissioner, and they have appointed a brigadier who is a detective.

“The brigadier said to me this case is not complicated. She died of unnatural causes and a blunt object might have been used. What is complicated,” said Kathreen Moonsamy.

Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act states that a public prosecutor can request the attendance before him of any person who is required to give information about an alleged offense, said Moonsamy.

Eden’s friends revealed the full extent of her suffering, telling Kathreen that Eden confided in them about her boyfriend’s alleged abuse. “They informed us that Eden told them that she was in an abusive relationship and her boyfriend would hit her on hidden body parts and if he hurt her in the face, she would use make-up to cover up the bruises,” Kathreen told the Phoenix Tabloid.

Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, says that in May 2024, the South African Police Services admitted in parliament that over 5.4 million case dockets were closed due to insufficient evidence or leads since the 2018/2019 financial year.

Averaging over 1 million cases per year, it means that almost 3,000 cases are closed daily by the SAPS without victims of crime ever receiving justice. Included in these 3,000 cases closed daily, are gruesome murders, rapes of family members, brutal assaults and kidnappings.

SAPS eThekwini District communication commander, Captain Carmen Rhynes, confirmed to the Phoenix Tabloid that the case is still under investigation and that the SAPS is working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority.

“The question must be asked why it is taking the police 18 months and yet there has not been any arrest,” said Thart. “Why are the police dragging their feet,” Thiart said.

“We support the Moonsamy family and we constantly pursue advocacy in order to expose poor leadership by the police and the department of social development,” Thiart added.

The 1000 Women Trust is a women’s organization that aims to raise awareness around gender-based violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development.

For more information about the Trust, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or phone us on 061-4690479.

Join the 1000 women trust virtual walk in solidarity with Leonie Viljoen from 27th June

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 19:08:24 GMT

Far too many women suffer behind closed doors in our country, and abuse survivor Leonie Viljoen is taking a bold step; in fact, she’s climbing Kilimanjaro to empower those silenced by fear.

Leonie, who twice survived abuse during her lifetime, has decided to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa, to raise awareness for the women-led organisation 1000 Women Trust and its initiatives, which support women who have been subjected to gender-based violence.

The mother of two toddlers shared that taking on the 5895-metre climb wasn’t for the thrill or the glory of the photos at the top of the mountain but in support of the women who have endured pain deeper than any crevasse on that mountain.

1000 Women Trust is inviting all women and men to join the 1000 Women Virtual Walk/ 27–30 June 2025

*Show up for yourself*

We’re walking together, to support a powerful cause!

From 27 to 30 June 2025, walk, run, cycle or just move! in solidarity with _Leonie Viljoen as she prepares to climb Mount Kilimanjaro_— breaking the silence on Gender-Based Violence.

Let’s take steps toward a safer, more empowered world for women and girls. Your participation helps amplify this vital message.

Entry Fee: R300

Click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTHBMU0A51N6xIaJz_GETA6SGeBCluhYhvPIXzBMu6pedyKA/viewform?usp=sharing

Whether it’s around your block, in your living room, or on a mountain trail—your walk matters.

#1000WomenVirtualWalk #WalkForChange #BreakTheSilence #GBVawareness #SupportLeonie #ClimbForACause #ShowUpForYourself

I am doing this in my own community and donate to 1000 Women Trust

https://www.givengain.com/project/leonie-kili8

Youth Day 2025: the concerns about gender-based violence are only escalating

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:15:16 GMT

CAPE TOWN. - The deadline of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust’s national From-Bystander-to-Upstander competition to mobilise learners across South African schools to address bullying, is drawing closer.

The deadline will be on the 20 ^th June, 2025.

1000 Women Trust’s virtual walk event is from 27 ^th to the 30 ^th June. Get your T-shirt.

You can register now for the Trauma volunteer and anti-bully training for July. It is free.

The women’s festival at Artscape in Cape Town is on 7 ^th August 2025.

The From Bystander to Upstander competition invites schools and learners to showcase how bullying can be addressed in constructive ways through creative mediums such as posters, songs, poems, stories and graffiti and thereby change the culture of harmful behaviour at school grounds, has been launched by the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust.

The Trust invites participation in the competition, encouraging schools to showcase how the 5 D's of being an upstander can be utilised to intervene when bullying occurs at schools. The 5 D’s - Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct - as strategies to stand up against bullying, shifting from passive bystanders to proactive upstanders.

These strategies include distracting the bully, delegating to seek help, discreetly documenting the incident, delaying to emotionally support the victim, or directly intervening,

Individuals or groups can enter the From-Bystander-to-Upstander-competition by tagging their entry with #1000women1Voice on social media. Or they can email their entry to newsletter@1000women.co.za . Multiple entries are allowed and work can be done individually or in groups.

Use any medium – posters, songs, poetry, graffiti, stories and more to showcase how you can intervene using the 5 D’s to foster awareness of bullying and promote a supportive school environment. The winning entry will receive R1000.

The deadline for the submission of entries is on the 20 ^th June 2025.

1000 Women Trust invites all NPOs to join their events in June, July and August

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:14:14 GMT

The deadline will be on the 20 ^th June, 2025.

1000 Women Trust’s virtual walk event is from 27 ^th to the 30 ^th June. Get your T-shirt.

You can register now for the Trauma volunteer and anti-bully training for July. It is free.

The women’s festival at Artscape in Cape Town is on 7 ^th August 2025.

These strategies include distracting the bully, delegating to seek help, discreetly documenting the incident, delaying to emotionally support the victim, or directly intervening,

The deadline for the submission of entries is on the 20 ^th June 2025.

From Bystander-to-Upstanders-competition launched: entries close on 20th June

Fri, 30 May 2025 23:14:47 GMT

CAPE TOWN - A national From-Bystander-to-Upstander competition to mobilise learners across South African schools to address bullying through creative mediums such as posters, songs, poems, stories, or graffiti and change the culture of harmful behaviour on school grounds, has been launched by the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, an organization committed to creating awareness of gender-based violence and femicide.

1000 Women Trust invites participation in the competition, encouraging schools to showcase how the 5 D's of being an upstander can be utilised to intervene when bullying occurs at schools.

Learners are invited to use the 5 D’s - Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct - as strategies to stand up against bullying, shifting from passive bystanders to proactive upstanders.

Tina Thiart, co-founder and executive trustee at 1000 Women Trust, explained the significance of the 5 D's: "A bystander witnesses bullying and does nothing, whereas an upstander takes action against it by employing the 5 Ds.

These strategies include distracting the bully, delegating to seek help, discreetly documenting the incident, delaying to emotionally support the victim, or directly intervening.

“We want to encourage learners to become change-makers,” said Thiart. “We want to inspire them through this competition to constructively engage when bullying occurs in order to peacefully confront the offenders so that there could be a significant change in the culture of bullying in South Africa,” Thiart added.

“This is a fun-filled competition and it encourages innovative ways of speaking out against bullying. Yet, we should not forget the serious nature of the scourge in this country,” Thiart added.

Annually, bullying affects 3.2 million learners in South Africa. Around 57% of South African learners have been bullied at least once in their life. 67% of these victims will not report their abuse as they believe that they will not be assisted.

Learners across the country continue to suffer physical and emotional trauma at the hands of callous classmates and teachers. Last year, a grade 12 student at Kgabo Secondary School in Ga-Mokgokong, 21-year-old Joseph Maimela, took his own life after allegedly being bullied by his teachers who reportedly told him that he would “amount to nothing”.

And he is not the only learner who has resorted to such extremes in efforts to escape the trauma of bullying at schools. The Department of Health reported 7,426 suicide attempts by children younger than 18 between April and December last year, said Thiart.

1000 Women Trust has been a leading organization in the creation of awareness of bullying and has distributed more than 5000 pamphlets to hundreds of schools in all provinces. Its comprehensive anti-bullying-course has been attended free on-line by more than 11000 parents and teachers the past five years.

Natalie Chisikana, a gender-based violence warrior of 1000 Women Trust who helps to create safe spaces for abused women, underlined the importance of the From-Bystander-to-Upstander competition.

“Learners bully for different reasons. Some are attention-seekers, others do it because they are bored. The competition highlights the negativeness of bullying and encourages learners to not merely be spectators but to take action,” said Chisikana, who finished as runner-up of the 2024-competition.

Chisikana, a tutor who assists struggling learners with their homework, said one of the challenges of bullying is what happens after bullying is reported. “Sometimes it is reported but the teacher who receives the report does not take action. Or if a bully is disciplined, he and his friends will wait outside the school gate for the person who reported the bullying.”

Lucretia Samsam, a tireless worker and community activist who utilizes the 100 Women Trust anti-bullying toolkit to engage with teachers, parents and learners in Freedom Park, an informal settlement in Ottery, says sometimes the prime offenders with regards to bullying are parents who bully their children.

“I use workshops to engage with parents about the dangers of bullying. The from Bystander-to-Upstander-competition will help to mobilize learners and teachers in communities to engage constructively to address the scourge of bullying.”

The deadline for the submission of entries is on the 20 ^th June 2025.

For more information about 1000 Women Trust, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or email the Trust on info@1000women.co.za

SA must act to end culture of sexual harassment, says Thiart

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Fri, 30 May 2025 23:12:16 GMT

South Africa must end the culture of impunity surrounding sexual harassment which has become commonplace in the country, says Tina Thiart, cofounder and trustee of 1000 Women Trust.

“We observe sexual harassment month in April in South Africa to create awareness of this scourge and to educate communities and individuals to deal with this crime,” said Thiart.

“Sexual harassment is rife in South Africa. According to a survey by the South African Human Rights Commission, approximately 30 % of women experienced sexual harassment in the workplace,

“In the South African legal profession, 43% of women reported being sexually harassed. This misconduct resulted in 25% of sexual harassment targets indicating that the conduct contributed to them leaving or considering leaving their workplace, according to a survey by the International Bar Association (IBA),“ Thiart said.

Sexual harassment raised its ugly head recently when revelations were made of widespread sexual abuse by senior officials of the Eastern Cape provincial government.

The head of the department of public works and infrastructure, Thandowethu Mandu, was placed on special leave pending an investigation into accusations that he had demanded special sexual favours from a junior subordinate.

Subsequently Anele Mda, a gender and social justice activist, revealed that she had received testimonies from 110 women who claimed to have been sexually violated by senior officials within the provincial Eastern Cape government, claiming there was a sex-for-job culture in the Eastern Cape government and that eight departments were involved.

Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge faced a misconduct investigation by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal, which could in 2025 due to a sexual harassment complaint laid against him by judge secretary Andiswa Mengo.

“The ability by civic society and organizations like 1000 Women Trust and others to mobilize South Africans to protest sexual harassment is crucial. If sexual predators are not held accountable, they will feel emboldened to commit their heinous crimes,” Thiart said.

Asked what can be done to change the culture of sexual harassment, Thiart said: “Ït is crucial to report incidents, implement robust policies, and provide comprehensive training in workplaces and educational institutions. One must also support victims and ensure access to legal avenues like protection orders.

“If you experience sexual harassment, report it to your employer or relevant authorities, such as the police or a legal professional.

“Reach out to organizations that offer support to victims of sexual harassment, such as 1000 Women Trust and Sonke Gender Justice.

“You can apply for a protection order in the Magistrate's Court to prevent further harassment,” Thiart explained.

“Companies must stablish and communicate clear policies on sexual harassment, outlining prohibited behaviors and reporting procedures. Provide regular training on sexual harassment prevention and response to all employees and students, Thiart said.

“Companies must regularly assess the effectiveness of policies and training programs, and make necessary adjustments. They must be proactive in addressing potential issues and creating a culture of respect and safety. Collective agreements should be guided by the provisions of the Code of Good Practice on Sexual Harassment in the workplace,” Thiart added.

She said The Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011 provides legal avenues for victims to seek protection.

“Sexual assault, including any act that causes contact between the mouth, genital organs or anus of one person (or the breasts of a woman) and any part of the body of another person, is a criminal offense,” Thiart explained.

Sexual harassment can be a form of discrimination based on sex, and is prohibited under the Employment Equity Act,” Thiart pointed out.

Thiart said sexual harassment is defined as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates the dignity of the complainant or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Sexual harassment can cause significant psychosocial harm, including depression and PTSD.

“We encourage allyship and support for those who have experienced harassment. The trauma training course as well as the anti-bully course developed and easily accessible on-line, have become trusted allies to support victims of sexual harassment,” Thiart said.

1000 Women Trust is a Women's Organizations that aim to raise awareness around Gender-Based Violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development.

For more information, contact the Trust on 0614690479 or send a mail to inf@1000women.co.za

Download the Documents below

Policy Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Oct. 7

1000 Women GBV in the workplace

Sexual Offences and related matters 29 Sug 2023 NACOSA webinar

workplace Presentation 4 Sept 2024 PES

Amnesty International slams government for its lack of decisive action on GBV

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Fri, 30 May 2025 22:57:29 GMT

Women For Change's Statement on NPA’s Decision to Drop the Cwecwe Rape Case

We are outraged, we are heartbroken. Once again, the justice system has failed a survivor, a little girl who is only seven years old. The National Prosecuting Authority’s decision not to pursue prosecution in the Cwecwe rape case - citing "not enough evidence for a successful prosecution" - is not just disheartening; it is damning.

Cwecwe’s case became one of the most viral rape cases in South Africa. A mother spoke out for her child. The public rallied behind them, leading to weeks of protest actions, and media coverage. And yet, despite all the public outrage, no one will be held accountable.

If high-profile cases like Cwecwe, the Krugersdorp gang rape, Tim Omotoso Case, and others can't even make it past the first hurdle of prosecution, what does that mean for the millions of women and girls whose cases never reach the headlines?

The answer is chilling: they are all being failed in silence.

We cannot accept “no foreign DNA” as the end of the story. Women and children deserve more than a sterile press release. They deserve thorough investigations. They deserve justice, not a system that throws their cases out when it becomes inconvenient or complex.

The devastating reality is this: if justice is denied in the most visible cases, then justice is dead for the rest.

We demand accountability. We demand a justice system that works for women and children, not against them. And we demand that the NPA and SAPS stop treating Gender-Based Violence as an administrative nuisance instead of the national emergency that it is. #womenforchange #JusticeForCwecwe

Tina Thiart

Contact: womensfundsa@gmail.com

Mobile Phone: +27 732079079

South Africa

Women For Change's Statement on NPA’s Decision to Drop the Cwecwe Rape Case

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Fri, 30 May 2025 22:55:27 GMT

Women For Change's Statement on NPA’s Decision to Drop the Cwecwe Rape Case

The answer is chilling: they are all being failed in silence.

The devastating reality is this: if justice is denied in the most visible cases, then justice is dead for the rest.

Tina Thiart

Contact: womensfundsa@gmail.com

Mobile Phone: +27 732079079

South Africa

Kilimanjaro: Viljoen climbs with a higher purpose for GBV-survivors silenced by fear

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Fri, 09 May 2025 11:37:08 GMT

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 9 ^TH MAY 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kilimanjaro: Viljoen climbs with a higher purpose for GBV-survivors silenced by fear

Leonie Viljoen, a wellness coach in Boston, Bellville who twice survived abuse during her lifetime, has decided to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa, at the end of Junie to raise awareness of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust and its initiatives to create safe spaces for women who have been subjected to gender-based violence.

Viljoen, a mother of two toddlers, says she has not decided to climb the 5895 metres to the summit of Kilimanjaro for the thrill or the glory of the photos at the top of the mountain.

“Rather, I do if for the women who’ve endured pain deeper than any crevasse on that mountain. I climb for women subjected to gender-based violence whose fight is steeper, their endurance greater and their courage unlimited,” Viljoen said.

“And I climb for 1000 Women Trust, who as an organization has crated initiatives for women to report sexual abuse without fear.

“Each step I take is for the woman silenced by fear. For the girl told her pain is private. For the survivor who wakes up every day and chooses to keep going. The altitude will test my body, but it’s their stories that weigh on my heart. And it’s their strength that will push me higher,” she says.

“Many women suffer sexual abuse and don’t know what their rights are or what the appropriate and meaningful next steps should look like.

“Many suffer psychologically and the abuse can drive them to the edge of despair, instead of reporting it.

“And that is where an organization like 1000 Women Trust is enormously helpful,” said Viljoen.

“1000 Women Trust is a lifeline. Through its trauma training course and the establishment of the GBV-Warriors-initiative it offers a shelter, safety and the fierce belief that every woman deserves to live free from fear. When I ascend Kilimanjaro, it is to raise financial support so that 1000 Women Trust can expand their services and establish an even wider and deeper footprint,” Viljoen says.

“Help me turn every meter I ascend into a step toward justice, dignity, and healing. Join me. Support 1000 Women Trust. And together, let’s rise — higher than we ever thought possible,” Viljoen said.

Viljoen is a member of a party of eight who will start climbing on 25 ^th June. Their trip will last eight days.

"Climbing Kilimanjaro has been a goal of mine since 2018. I climb with passion and purpose,” Viljoen said.

“Showcasing resilience to reach the top despite what I had to endure in my life.

“This is me showing up, for myself and the millions of women that have been/is exposed to GBV.

“Strengthen my hand by donating now and link to GivenGain,” Viljoen said.

People who want to support Viljoen financially for the benefit of 1000 Women Trust, can do it on the following link: https://www.givengain.com/project/leonie-raising-funds-for-1000-women-trust-93660 .

Viljoen also invited women to join the Virtual Walk. A virtual walk is an event where participants complete the distance at their own time, location, and pace, rather than all together at a specific time and place. Participants register for the walk online, choose their own route, track their walk with a fitness tracker or app, and then submit their results to receive a medal or other finisher swag.

“I want to call women to action to do the Kilimanjaro-event in their own time and place,”said Viljoen. “Run 5895 metres, walk 5895 metres or cycle 5895 metres would be ways to do the virtual walk in support of my ciimb.

People who want to enter, can give detail to intern@1000women.co.za .

“Why it could be advantageous to do the Virtual Walk is to get Leonie to the summit of Kilimanjaro, to receive a 1000 Women T-shirt and to do it in support of the many GBV-Warriors who daily support GBV-Warriors. Women also do it in solidarity with women around South Africa, and in support of more safe rooms in GBV-hotspots. They also do it to strengthen 1000 Women Trust,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust.

For more information about 1000 Women Trust, visit them on www.1000women.co.za or phone them on (061)4690479 or send a mail to info@1000women.co.za .

Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Leonie Viljoen on 076-6356430 .

Gender-based violence cannot be a normalized ill, wear Orange on 25th March!

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 18:03:54 GMT

Gender-based violence cannot be a normalized ill, wear Orange on 25 ^th March!

Pain and the alarming levels of sexual violence have become normalized ills in South Africa.

On Human Rights Day on Friday 21 ^st March 2025. South Africa commemorated 21 ^st March 1960, a day on which 69 people were shot and killed by the police in Sharpeville and 180 wounded when they protested against pass laws.

The responsible police officers were not apprehended and did no spend time behind bars for this evil crime.

But what about other South Africans who daily pass away in a nail of bullets in 2025. What about 16023 women and 2164 children who were sexually assaulted between September and December 2024 in South Africa. What about 11802 women who were raped in the same period.

And what is also deeply worrying, is that the front pages of the media were dominated the past three months with reports of sexual harassment of women and sexual attacks by teachers on learners.

Yet, there are times when you sense that South Africans almost accept these alarming revelations as a new normal.

In February 2025, the minister of sport, Gayton McKenzie, pleaded with the South African cricket team to boycott a match in the International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy tournament against Afghanistan because of this country’s institutionalized abuse of women and their laws that prohibit women to play in sports teams and receive formal education.

He did not speak a word about the levels of gender-based violence against SA women, about the SA government’s inability and abject failure to protect its own women.

Can one ask what the newly established national council on gender-based violence and femicide is currently doing. They have to work alongside the social development departments, health departments, basic education departments and the police. Coordination is needed. Would this council need more time to find its feet, or has it been asleep behind the wheel since it was formed in November 2024?

It is important that government bring boots closer to community. It is important to expand community-policing partnerships to proactively address localised criminal issues, particularly in the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and the Eastern Cape.

The past month, four teachers were found guilty of sexual assault and improper sexual behaviour towards learners. The Education Lavour Relations Councill dismissed the teachers, two from Gauteng and one each from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, after finding them guilty of sexual misconduct.

In the Eastern Cape, a report by news24 and City Press exposed widespread sexual harassment of women in the Eastern Cape Provincial government, and a sex-for-jobs culture. A gender advocate shared how 110 women shared shocking details with her on how they were subjected to sexual harassment in the Eastern Cape offices.

But that investigation by the premier Oscar Mabuyane has come to a standstill. Nothing has happened.

The challenges that ordinary South Africans face, is that the public has become almost accustomed to these abuses. It has become a new normal.

That is why an organization like 1000 Women Trust is such an important role player in creating awareness of GBV. On Tuesday 25 ^th March and on the 25 ^th day of each month, women and a few good men will be wearing Orange to create awareness of gender-based violence in South Africa. 1000 Women Trust has recently established Project Orange – the creation of safe spaces and rooms and offices where GBV-Warriors, who are well trained, assist women and give them counselling and support in the critical 24 hours after a GBV-attack.

It is good that the country has 65 Thuthuzela Care Centres to support women subjected to GBV, but it is not nearly sufficient as there are numerous GBV-hot spots and the Thuthuzela Cae Centres do not cover all the hotspots. And that is why Project Orange is a game-changer and a life-saver.

“We ask all people to wear Orange tomorrow as part of 1000 Women’s Project Orange and #maketheworldORANGE,”says Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust.

The 1000 Women Trust is a Women's Organizations that aim to raise awareness around Gender-Based Violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development.

For more information about 1000 Women Trust, send us a mail to info@1000women.co.za or phone us on 061-4690479.

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 15TH APRIL 2025

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 18:01:19 GMT

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 15 ^TH APRIL 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sexual harassment month: April: SA must challenge culture of impunity, says Thiart

South Africa must end the culture of impunity surrounding sexual harassment which has become commonplace in the country, says Tina Thiart, cofounder and trustee of 1000 Women Trust.

April is sexual harassment month in South Africa to create awareness of this scourge and to educate communities and individuals to deal with this crime.

“Sexual harassment is rife in South Africa,,” Thiart said.

A South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) survey found that approximately 30% of women in South Africa have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. This figure is echoed in other studies, like one indicating that 30% of female learners in South African high schools experienced rape and sexual harassment by male learners and teachers, Thiart added.

Sexual harassment recently raised its ugly head recently when revelations were made of widespread sexual abuse by senior officials of the Eastern Cape provincial government.

“If you experience sexual harassment, report it to your employer or relevant authorities, such as the police or a legal professional.

“Reach out to organizations that offer support to victims of sexual harassment, such as 1000 Women Trust and THE TEARS-foundation.

“You can apply for a protection order in the Magistrate's Court to prevent further harassment,” Thiart explained.

She said The Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011 provides legal avenues for victims to seek protection.

Sexual harassment can be a form of discrimination based on sex, and is prohibited under the Employment Equity Act,” Thiart pointed out.

Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on 073-2079079.

Mobilization the right way for SA citizens to protest police inaction, but shutdown? No

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 17:52:27 GMT

Mobilization the right way for SA citizens to protest police inaction, but shutdown? No

The president of the Truth and Solidarity Movement, Mehmet Vefa Dag, has called for a national shutdown on Tuesday, April 8, reported IOL.

He has also called for the resignation of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu over the ministry's handling of the rape of a seven-year-old at Bergview College in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.

"From 5am in the morning, we are shutting down the entire country. There will be no movement around the country ... All the schools must be shut down. Senzo Mchunu must step down," he said.

Dag went on to say that the principal of the school must be arrested and called for details of the man who was allegedly found to be in possession of child pornography .

"If you're not going to help us, we will fight by all means on behalf of South Africa. I am urging Senzo Mchunu to step down. This country is not alone. Our people are not alone. We as South Africans are standing united against injustice, inequalities, pedophiles, rapists , thieves, killers. Enough is enough," he added in an interview with IOL.

The police ministry recently clarified statements on Matatiele case.

Responding to claims and allegations on social media, Ministry spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, explained that Mchunu did not make any statements that the DNA of the principal of Bergview College had been taken, but based on the initial report received, said he was among those suspected.

"He further said that DNA tests had been conducted without providing any specifics - these tests were in respect of the minor," added Mogotsi.

"The Minister gave a comprehensive briefing on Friday to take the nation into confidence on the investigation, wherein he mentioned that three persons of interest had been identified, and their samples taken for DNA analysis . The Major-General deployed to ensure a thorough investigation is working diligently to ensure that all relevant evidence is carefully examined."

Tina Thiart, co-founder and trustee of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, said: “Although we do not support a shutdown as people must earn a livelihood and we don’t want anything to negatively affect the economy, we do support the underlying sentiments.

“The government do not act unless there is pressure and unless civic society mobilizes ordinary South Africans to protest against the mismanagement of the police and other law enforcement agencies.

“When a woman or child is raped or murdered, there must be immediate and coordinated action. One of the gravest mistakes of the police is not to properly investigate a crime and interrogate suspects. Why do you stop when there is no DNA evidence. Has the suspect identified the criminal, has anybody else seen him at the scene of the crime. The lack of action is what drives society mad,” Thiart said.

For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or call us on 0614690479.

Bullying on the rise in SA schools

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:01:51 GMT

Bullying on the rise: zero tolerance the best deterrent, says Thiart

Over the past few weeks multiple incidents of school violence and bullying have gone viral on social media.

Western Cape Education is probing a case where a Grade 8 pupil was ambushed inside a toilet.

In another incident an 18-year-old pupil was attacked after school, sustaining injuries to her face.

The mother of a Grade 8 pupil assaulted by a group of older boys who ambushed him inside a toilet, pushed his head into a toilet bowl, and smeared his face and uniform with faeces has taken the matter to the police, who have assigned a detective to investigate. (Source: news24.com , 11 ^th February 2025)

After the humiliating incident at Leiden High School in Delft on 31 January, videos and pictures were posted on social media platforms.

Education activists, fellow parents and some pupils of the school have since called for the school's principal to intervene and suspend those involved in the horrific bullying.

Pretty Nketu, the mother of the victim, said since the school appeared to show no concern for her son, failed to keep her updated and did not inform her of steps that would be taken against the alleged perpetrators, she decided to go to the police herself.

"My son was covered in human faeces and left to fend for himself. He was not even allowed to clean himself up and was told to wait for me till I came to bring him clean clothes.

Nketu said: He had to stand next to a dirt bin while flies buzzed around him, and pupils laughed and took photos of him. Do you know how embarrassing that is to any child? He did not deserve this. And this is why I got the police involved.

She said the police told her that a detective would be assigned to her son's case and those responsible would face the full might of the law.

Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said both the mother and child were present at the Delft police station to register a case of common assault for further investigation.

"Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a boy, asked for permission to go to the toilet, and as he left [the toilet], four boys grabbed him and forced him into the toilet.

"They forced his face into the toilet bowl and washed his face with waste from the toilet," Pojie said.

The police said no arrests have been made and that the matter is under investigation.

In Asherville in KZN, three pupils were left injured after an alleged racially fuelled fight outside a high school.

In Joburg, a mother rushed to school after she received a call from her daughter who

On Wednesday morning 5 ^th February, a protest was held outside the school in Delft. Parents, pupils, and community members called for the principal to be removed from the school for failing to properly address the incident..

"Those perpetrators are still among the [pupils], still walking in and out of the school and showing no remorse. It's upsetting to us as a family that my son is at home, yet the perpetrators are still in the school," Nketu said.

Tina Thiart, co-founder and director of 1000 Women Trust, one of the leading organizations in the fight against bullying and gender-based violence in the county, said according to statistics, a staggering 3.2 million children in South African Schools are bullied annually.

“Since the inception of our anti-bullying campaigns in 2018, we have compiled an anti-bullying toolkit to be used by schools and parents. We started off in the Western Cape, but also branched out to the Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State.

To date, more than 7000 children, teaches and parents have benefited from the anti-bullying course material which we have shared with them the past seven years,”” Thiart said.

Thiart warned that cyberbullying is rife in SA schools.

According to a recent survey, more than three children out of 10 have been cyerstalked or been a victim of online shaming or revenge porn.

Thiart said in a trauma-informed school, the best deterrent to bullying and cyberbullying is to create a culture of acceptance and communication.

Such a culture empowers learners to find positive ways to resolve conflicts and has an administration, teachers and other staff who can support learners in making constructive decisions and respond proactively when the aggression of any kind exists on the school campus.

An important first step to take for schools, is to establish an anti-bullying and a zero-tolerance policy at schools, said Thiart. “In addition we need to create awareness of cyberBullying as young people do not understand how cyberbullying and using your phone can be harmful to people. It is also a crime,” warned Thiart.

For more information on what 1000 Women Trust is doing, visit www.bullying.org.za , visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or send Thiart a whatsupp on 061-4690479 if you want your school or teachers or parents to do the anti-bullying course.

1000 Women Trust creates 24-hour safe house in Nyanga-East as pilot of Project Orange

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:00:01 GMT

1000 Women Trust creates 24-hour safe house in Nyanga-East as pilot of Project Orange

One small step for Project Orange, one giant leap for the national GBV-Warriors initiative…The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, who has answered a national outcry from communities to create safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence in the critical 24 hour-period after an attack, has provided the materials needed for a safe room and advice office for Nomonde Ngwenyana in Nyanga-East as the first installment of the national initiatives to equip offices in more provinces with the necessary infrastructure to empower GBV-Warriors and help suffering women.

In August 2024, 1000 Women Trust launched a national GBV-Warriors-campaign and Project Orange to provide critical support to women and children severely impacted by gender-based violence, particularly within the crucial first 24 hours after an attack.

Gender-based violence in South Africa is rife. Daily, 114 women in South Africa are attacked and 170 women are sexually assaulted.

The GBV-Warriors are foot soldiers who are on the ground in communities, providing crucial support to abused women.

Project Orange, in essence, is the availability of rooms managed by trained GBV-Warriors in the community who will establish a comfortable and welcoming environment to women who are victims of GBV.

There they will receive assistance in these rooms before transitioning to service providers the next day, like shelters and Thuthuzela Care Centres.

But the GBV-Warriors, who have an astute knowledge of the rights of the victims, will also accompany these victims to the police stations, where, historically, GBV-victims have suffered secondary victimization.

They will also aid them at courts when these women are in need of protection orders.

Bianca Charles, office manager of 1000 Women Trust, said the Trust reached out to Ngwenyana in Nyanga-East and created a 24 hour emergency safe house as pilot of Project Orange. “We also provided all the material that Ngewenyana needed for a peace corner where children of abused woman can play,” she said.

Ngwenyana did the trauma training course of 1000 Women Trust which equips her to assist victims of GBV. She also did the Trust’s anti-bully course. She received coaching through the First Responder-course of 1000 Women Trust.

“We also provided Ngwenyana with bedding, curtains, toiletry and care packs for women who might visit the 24-hour emergency safe house in her home,” Charles said.

“The next steps we are taking is to roll out this project to Kalkfontein in Kuils River, in Beaufort West and Gauteng,” Charles said.

The funder of the project, Gender Links Women’s Voice and Leadership South Africa, was thrilled by what they witnessed and is happy to endorse this vital project, Charles said.

Ngwenyana said Nyanga-East is a gender-based violence hotspot and the Project Orange- and GBV-Warriors-initiative to create a safe space for women subjected to gender-based violence is much-needed to help so many women suffering. “Especially during the weekends in Nyanga-East, there are women who want to stay overnight as this is a violent area. I give them an opportunity to stay there and also have something to eat. Obviously I offer advice.

“The one challenge I have, is that I encourage them to report GBV to the police. When they come to my home, they are willing to do that. But the following day, they almost never follow through on their promises,” said Ngwenyana.

The 1000 Women Trust is a registered Trust focusing on fundraising and creating awareness for domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse. They believe that if women have access to knowledge, skills, and resources, they will find their own solutions to combat violence against women and girls.

For more information, contact the Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone us on 061-4690479.

1000 Women Trust’s anti-bullying course starts on 20th January

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 22:33:20 GMT

1000 Women Trust’s anti-bullying course starts on 20 ^th January

The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, one of South Africa’s most trusted empowerment hubs equipping schools, parents, learners and community leaders with the skills to eradicate bullying, are inviting teachers, parents and community leaders to a new anti-bullying training course.

The course, only on Whatsapp, will start on 20 ^th January.

In 2024, 1000 Women Trust provided its anti-bullying training to 2981 parents and teachers, totalling over 6000 participants to date. This initiative is vital, given the alarming statistic that nearly 90% of childhood bullies become perpetrators of gender-based violence. Addressing GBV at its root cause is imperative.

According to HJW Attorneys, more than 3.2 million learners are bullied in South Africa annually, and more than 67% of bully victims will not ask a teacher for help because they don’t think it will change their situation. In total, 90% of school bullying is carried out by learners. A total of 160 000 high-school learners bunk school daily to avoid being bullied.

1000 Women Trust has established a footprint in several South African provinces aiding schools and educational departments when bullying has been rife. There has been high praise for the quality of 1000 Women Trust’s anti-bullying courses and its pamphlets in Limpopo, the Western Cape, the Free State and other provinces.

For more information, contact the office on info@1000women.co.za or on 061-4690479.

1000 Women Trust launch counselling training for Warriors, GBV-survivors

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 22:30:53 GMT

1000 Women Trust launch counselling training for Warriors, GBV-survivors

The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, in partnership with NPO Solutions, has launched a ground-breaking counselling training which will empower GBV-Warriors and GBV-survivors with the skills to serve communities even better in 2025.

The counselling training is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

“We invite all 1000 Women GBV-Warriors and GBV-survivors to sign up for the accredited training, which will start – part-time online and on Whatsupp, on 6 ^th February,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust.

A councillor is a health professional who provides guidance and support to clients seeking improvement in various areas of their lives. They work with individuals, families of groups, assisting them in navigating diverse circumstances, depending upon their specialized area of practice they are qualified to perform.

“The fully accredited training by 1000 Women Trust for the GBV-Warriors will assist them in providing mental health services to women who are survivors of GBV and who seek a safe space for help, but also counselling to deal with trauma,” said Thiart.

“Once the GBV-Warriors complete the course, they can register as counsellors,” Thiart added.

1000 Women Trust launched the GBV-Warriors campaign to provide critical support to women and children severely impacted by gender-based violence, particularly within the crucial first 24 hours after an attack.

Gender-based violence in South Africa is rife. Daily, 114 women in South Africa are attacked and 170 women are sexually assaulted.

Thiart said through interviews conducted with 500 community women in 2023, it was established that there is desperate need for safe spaces for women especially during the 24-hours after gender-based violence occurred.

The GBV-Warriors are foot soldiers who are on the ground in communities, providing crucial support to abused women.

The counselling course that starts in February will expand the bouquet of skills that the GBV-Warriors possess, but it is vital to understand that the counselling course is not limited to the Warriors. “Any GBV-survivor can also complete the course and we would like them to join,” Thiart said.

The GBV Warriors form part of 1000 Women Trust’s comprehensive, nation-wide strategy to establish GBV Community Advice Offices in vulnerable communities. They offer physical safety, emotional support, and guidance to survivors of GBV.

The 1000 Women Trust is a Women’s Rights Organisation operating in South Africa, dedicated to raising awareness about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) while providing capacity-building to GBV community organisations.

For more information, contact the office on info@1000women.co.za , or phone 061-4690479.

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 25th NOVEMBER 2024

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 20:30:39 GMT

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 25th NOVEMBER 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wearing orange, hosting awareness events part of campaign to mobilize communities during 16 Days

Wearing orange and hosting awareness events are part of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust’s plan of action for 16 Days of Activism to mobilize community involvement to eradicate the scourge of gender-based violence, said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust.

“Empower every voice: Unite for Change is the theme of 1000 Women Trust’s campaign during the 16 Days of Activism,” said Thiart.

“The focus will be to encourage action at all levels of society and promoting support for change,” she said.

“This year, 1000 Women Trust emphasizes the power of collective action and the importance of every individual’s contribution to end gender-based violence,” said Thiart. “We invite you to join us or be innovative, create a meaningful way of showing solidarity or making a difference in the communities.

“A total of 7.84 million women in South Africa have been subjected to physical and sexual violence, according to the Human Science Research Council-findings of the first SA national gender-based violence study of 2022 released on Monday 18 ^th November 2024,” said Thiart.

“In order to address this alarming situation, we need more community involvement,” said Thiart. “We are encouraging everyone to wear orange, the colour symbolizing a brighter future free from violence and sharing photos on social media with hashtags like #EmpowerEveryVoice and #UniteForChange.”

The Trust also wants to partner with local businesses and government during16 Days.

There are many ways that companies can raise awareness and encourage employees to engage in communities, said Thiart. One way might be to light up landmarks in orange in solidarity against gender-based violence.

1000 Women Trust is inviting communities to arrange social events or discussion groups during each of the 16 Days of Activism – to create a safe space to discuss gender-based violence, while wearing orange to show solidarity with victims of gender-based violence, said Thiart.

“At social events, we want to encourage survivors to share their stories, either in person or through videos, to create awareness and inspire action,” Thiart said.

1000 Women Trust plan to host workshops during the 16 Days to prevent gender-based violence and promote human rights, in partnership with its GBV-Warriors.

The Trust trained GBV-Warriors to assist victims of gender-based violence in the crucial 24 hours following an attack in order to offer safe spaces to the affected women and also assist them the following day to access Thuthuzela Care Centres or open a case at a police station.

“We also will mobilize support during 16 Days for the GBV-Warriors though donations and volunteerism,” said Thiart.

“We also aim to foster unity, a sense of community and collective responsibility in the eradication of gender-based violence and to grow the 1000 Women Network,” Thiart said.

Thiart says 1000 Women Trust will kick-off the 16 Days of Activism-campaign by encouraging everybody to wear orange on Day One in solidarity against gender-based violence.

Everyone of the 16 days will have a specific theme and call to action. On day 2 on 26 ^th November the theme will revolve around what to do when you suspect that a child is abused.

Over 106 000 rape cases and 22,000 sexual assault cases involving children have been reported over the last six financial years, and therefore the community involvement is crucial to stop this, said Thiart.

The community can help by looking for signs like physical injuries, poor hygiene, and behavioural changes like when a child is withdrawing or expressing excessive fear.

You can report immediately by contacting your local child protection services, a social worker or the police, or visit the helpline of the Trust on 061-4690479.

On the 27 ^th November 1000 Women Trust will discuss the key amendments to GBV-laws including the Criminal Law Amendment bill, ensuring that survivors are informed about their rights.

On Day eight, or 2 ^nd December, the 1000 Women Trust will focus on how complainants can react when police officers refuse to open a case against perpetrators of GBV.

Every person has a right to report a case and the police are legally obliged to open a case and investigate. The complainant can also write down the officer’s name and badge number and lodge a complaint with the independent police investigative directorate or other oversight bodies.

Women who are refused assistance, can also liaise with 1000 Women Trust, and with their GBV Warriors who are expertly trained to assist them when dealing with uncooperative police officers.

“We believe that through these actions on each day, we are assisting the community in challenging gender-based violence.

“ For example, secondary victimization at police offices is one of the main reasons why law enforcement agencies do not form an effective deterrent against domestic violence,” Thiart said.

The 1000 Women Trust is a South African organization that aims to end gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.

To contact the Trust, send a mail to info@1000women.co.za or call the Trust on 061-4690479.

Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on 073-2079079.

HSRC’s findings of scale of GBV conservative due to women not reporting the crime’

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 22:09:26 GMT

HSRC’s findings of scale of GBV conservative due to women not reporting the crime’

Considerably more women experienced physical and sexual violence in South Africa than the 7,84 million that was revealed by the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) in its findings on the first South African National Gender-Based Violence study of 2022. That is because 60 % of SA women do not report gender-based violence for fear of secondary victimization, says Tina Thiart, co-founder of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust.

33.1% of all women aged 18 years and older are vulnerable to physical violence in their lifetime, according to the HSRC-findings of the first SA national gender-based violence study of 2022 presented to minister Sindisiwe Chikunga on Monday 18 ^th November 2024.

Among all women, 9.8% (an estimated 2 150 342 women) have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

The combined physical and sexual violence prevalence in the country is 35.5%, which translates to 7.84 million women.

Thiart said that figure could be considerably higher. Many SA women simply do not report physical of sexual gender-based violence for fear of reprisal by their boyfriends or husbands, or because of the secondary victimization that these women face at police stations.

“In 2020, 2021 and 2022, 1000 Women Trust, and the WE DARE-team (acronym for Women’s Equality; Digital Access and the Right to Expression), led by Prof Mollie Painter of the Nottingham School of Business, did research on multiple gender-based violence-related matters, including the patters of reporting by SA women. We established that 60 % of all women affected by gender-based violence, do not report the crime,” said Thiart.

“Recently, a police-officer at the Delft Police station’s community service centre, for example, turned away a rape victim and demanded that the survivor brings a witness before a case can be opened, Thiart said.

The police officer questioned why the victim waited so long to open a case and then told the survivor to bring a witness before the case can be opened.

Apparently, the witness walked in on the crime but was not available to accompany the survivor to the police station, so the victim and the witness returned to Delft police station the following morning, Dr Josias said.

She said these wrong actions by the police is not an isolated incident but happens repeatedly and affects rape-survivors as some of the traumatized victims might decide not to return the next day.

“The police must open the case immediately and should not be asking rape survivors for witnesses. They also should not question why they waited 48 hours as many victims suffer severe trauma and don’t report it immediately.” said Dr Josias.

“Often women who are unaccompanied, suffer at police stations and in many instances no case is opened by the police, Thiart said.

That prompted1000 Women Trust to launch the GBV-Warriors-campaign to provide critical support to women and children severely impacted by gender-based violence, particularly within the crucial first 24 hours after an attack to ensure that there are safe spaces for women immediately after an attack.

The GBV-Warriors, who have an astute knowledge of the rights of the victims, accompany these victims to the police stations, where, historically, GBV-victims have suffered secondary victimization, said Thiart.

Dr Nadia Bernon, a GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust and gender activist in KwaZulu-Natal, says secondary victimization at police stations are real. “That is why victims don’t even report cases because they have lost hope in the law and the way they are treated and that is why victims are now making civil society organizations that focuses on GBV their first responders.

“The problem is that police stations don’t have a gender-based violence desk and few police officers and police vehicles strictly for GBV-related matters or incidents and they don’t make GBV-cases a priority. They give it less attention,” Bernon said.

“Unless there is structural reform of the SA Police Service, the police will not act as an effective deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence,” said Thiart.

The 1000 Women Trust is a South African organization that works to end gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.

For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or phone the Trust on 061-4690479.

Lottering: being a GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust is a mission and calling

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:28:00 GMT

Lottering: being a GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust is a mission and calling

“I cannot sit idle when I see the verbal, physical and emotional abuse of women in a gender based-violence-hotspot. I came out of a relationship with a man who had narcissistic traits and want to help other women who have to cope without the support of family,” says Marinda Lottering, GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust in Beaufort-West.

Lottering, who also runs the organization Movement of Hope, said she suffered physical, financial and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband, and she ended up in a clinic. She divorced him.

Now she considers it her mission to help women in a GBV-hotspot like Beaufort-West. “I often witness the pain of women who were subjected to brutal assaults and femicide and I cannot just witness that and do nothing about it,” Lottering says.

She is a pivotal part of 1000 Women Trust’s nationwide Project Orange, offering a safe space and emergency accommodation in the critical 24 hours after an attack to women severely impacted by GBV.

“If there is one thing all SA men should understand about GBV, is that so many grow up in a home in which the husband abused and battered his wife,” she says. “It was a relationship in which the husband acted as if he was the boss and had the power over her. And the woman stayed in that toxic relationship. We need to break this cycle because these wrong relationships are perpetuated from generation to generation.”

Lottering said the change she wants to see in the community over the next five years, is that women should stand united. She also wants boys to be coached properly on how to treat women and girls correctly.

The one challenge South Africa urgently needs to take head-on when it comes to GBV is to create safe spaces and havens for women severely impacted by GBV and to empower and up-skill these women to become independent.

“We need this as we are operating in an environment where the police are not great, the police officers are not properly trained and too many officers protect male offenders,” she says.

How can women join the fight against GBV? “Go to workshops and support groups where they are empowered, so that they can empower their communities.”

Asked if she could have one meal for the rest of the life, what she would prefer, Lottering says: “I am a snack person. I love it, but I also enjoy vegetables twice a week.”

Where would you travel to if you were allowed to, Lottering was asked: “I think Ireland, because there are opportunities to study for free.”

Her dream for 1000 Women Trust is that the government would see the Trust for who they truly are. “They invest more in women than what the government did for many generations. The Trust needs support from government for the indispensable work that they do.”

This October, let’s show up for survivors. Your donations of #paint, #cash, #toiletries, or #bedding to Lottering and other GBV-Warriors of 1000 Women Trust will go directly to furnishing these safe havens. Together, we can create real change during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #1000WomenTrust #SupportSurvivors #GBV #1000Women1Voice #ProjectOrange

1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For more information, contact the Trust on 061-4690479 or send an email to info@1000women.co.za .

GBV-Warrior Ngwenyana proposes monthly workshops to empower women

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:02:10 GMT

GBV-Warrior Ngwenyana proposes monthly workshops to empower women

Nomonde Ngwenyana from Lihle Liphuma is a GBV-Warrior whose tireless community work to assist victims of gender-based violence was kick-started when she saw kids on the streets needing mentoring and direction because their mothers were at home drinking.

“A campaign like Project Orange to create safe spaces for women who are fighting abuse is so much needed to assist the community,” says Ngwenyana, a business-owner who empowers many other women.

If she could give any woman one piece of advice, it would be to stand together in the fight against gender-based violence.

“The police will laugh at you when you report your case. They will not follow up on your case unless you are dead. They are lazy,” she says.

What she wants to see established over the next five years, is monthly workshops where women can groom one another to grow as persons and gain new skills, says Ngwenyana.

“We require money to finance small projects that can help women with skills development,” she says.

“Register on 1000 Women Trust, and get involved in small projects, especially in projects in which you are gifted with,” she says.

Ngwenyana has acknowledged the work of Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, in mentoring her as a business owner, and she says she is now a proud owner of a seven-room home, where she previously had a house with only three rooms.

The name Nomonde Ngwenyana in Nyanga-East is synonymous with Small Beginnings – a shop that sells fish and chips and Amagaga – chicken chunks.

She also visits NGOs and schools that invite her to teach people and learners the skills to do beading independently. They pay her for that service. She has recently been contacted by a new NGO to visit them and share her considerable skills with them.

Asked how she deals with setbacks, Ngwenyana says it is no use in pondering too long on setbacks. “It is important to get your mind of it at the end of the day, maybe have a glass of wine with your partner and relax,” she says.

Asked what talent she has that assists her as GBV-Warrior to support women and offer them a safe space when they have been abused, Ngwenyana says: “One thing I have is that women come to me for advice and they listen when I speak to them. And I have the ability to mobilize them.”

She says her dream for 1000 Women Trust is that it would grow and that it would help more women to become powerful.

“And my personal dream is to offer more women work so that there would be almost no family without jobs, and therefore no jealousy,” she said.

Postscript: It’s time to take real action beyond hashtags and slogans. South Africa has the 3rd highest rape stats— Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a crime, and we’re mobilising to fight back! The 1000 Women Trust is launching a collection drive to support our GBV Advice Offices in key hotspots across the country, as part of #ProjectOrange.

We need paint—lots of it! Orange, Navy, White, Black—and supplies like brushes, terps, and trays to transform these offices into safe spaces for survivors. Can you help?

This October, let’s show up for survivors. Your donations of #paint, #cash, #toiletries, or #bedding will go directly to furnishing these safe havens. Together, we can create real change during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #1000WomenTrust #SupportSurvivors #GBV #1000Women1Voice #ProjectOrange.

1000 Women Trust is a women-led organization focused on creating awareness of gender-based violence and femicide. For more information, contact the Trust on 061-4690479 or email the Trust on info@1000women.co.za .

Support required for GBV-Warrior Nadia Bernon as 1000 Women Trust creates safe spaces for women

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:39:45 GMT

Support required for GBV-Warrior Nadia Bernon as 1000 Women Trust creates safe spaces for women

The gaps in service delivery and a lack of gender-sensitivity at police stations and courts hamper the work done to assist women who are survivors of gender-based violence, says Dr Nadia Bernon, GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust and community activist at Newlands East in Durban.

Dr Bernon is the founder and director of the Newlands East Humane Society NPO, Rapid Response Team Chairperson on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) – Newlands East, Board member of the KZN Civil Society Organisations Council (CSO) and a GBV-Warrior of 1000 Women Trust creating a safe space for victims of GBV in the critical 24 hours after an attack.

“What is dearly needed, is that governmental service providers like the police and the courts need to be more gender-sensitive and they need to be trained to assist survivors of GBV,” says Dr Benon. “One of the solutions would be advice desks at courts and police stations,” said Bernon.

“There also need to be more messaging about strengthening the prevention strategies so that gender-based violence is stopped before women are abused,” Dr Benon said.

“Not all men are perpetrators but men need to be more gender-sensitive and support groups for men must be created. Many men have not dealt with their past hurts and trauma. In these support groups men must understand that real men do cry,” Bernon said.

Bernon grew up in a activist’s home where stranger who were hurting, received help. Her own mother was abused by her father and that is where she developed a passion to support victims of GBV.

Bernon said the monumental work done by 1000 Women Trust and its Project Orange to create safe spaces and structure to support women badly affected by GBV, needs financial support from government. “I would like to see this work expanded so that it gets a national footprint more and more,” Dr Bernon says.

Dr Bernon is one of several GBV-Warriors who have been working for years and who have made a lasting impact on their communities. They are on the frontlines, combating gender-based violence and creating safe spaces for their neighbours and their neighbours’ neighbours.

This October, let’s show up for survivors, for the GBV-Warriors and for Project Orange. Your donations of #paint, #cash, #toiletries, or #bedding will go directly to furnishing these safe havens. Together, we can create real change during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #1000WomenTrust #SupportSurvivors #GBV #1000Women1Voice #ProjectOrange.

The 1000 Women Trust is a women's organizations that aim to raise awareness around Gender-Based Violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for us to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development.

For more information, contact the Trust on 061-4690479. Or mail the organization on info@1000women.co.za

Police, court dragging their feet to deal with perpetrator of brutal attack on Monaise

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:17:59 GMT

Police, court dragging their feet to deal with perpetrator of brutal attack on Monaise

There has been no justice for Goitsemang Rebone Monaise since a brutal attack by a former family friend which was reported to the police in July 2023. The man attempted to strangle her and also headbutted her. She had to acquire a protection order to safeguard her from more possible attacks.

Yet, since the assault with the purpose to inflict serious bodily harm, the case was postponed 10 times and no progress was made, despite overwhelming evidence linking him to this heinous crime, and the presence of friends who witnessed his violent crime.

“He was a family friend and we briefly dated when we were in our 30s,” Monaise recalled.

“One day in July last year, he made unwanted advances and I told him I am not interested. Subsequently, while I was outside a store with another friend of mine and him, he manhandled me, shoved me to the ground on the pavement side and strangled and choked me till I was running out of air,” she said.

“When I recovered from that attack, I went home to fetch his bag and once inside the yard, he grabbed me by my left arm and headbutted me violently.

“He also grabbed my hair hard and hung on to my dreadlocks and a friend of mine was not able to help me. I was dazed and in deep pain. I immediately reported the case and also got a protection order against the attacker,” Monaise said.

“I did everything in my power and has been sent from pillar to post with no progress made in the case. I have contacted the investigation officer at least 10 times since July. The police seem to underplay the situation and even questioned why I called this gender-based violence as there was no bleeding,” said Monaise.

“The attacker then laid a counter charge against me and was granted a protection order against me. I did not even touch him. If I did not lay a charge against him, he would have done nothing,” she said.

“The case has just been postponed for an 11 ^th time until the 11 ^th November 2024,” said Monaise.

Tina Thiart, co-founder of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, said one of the main reasons why 53498 sexual offences were reported to the South African Police Services between April 2022 and March 2023 with rape accounting for 42780 of these cases, is that government is lacking the political will to eradicate gender-based violence and femicide.

The time between when a case was reported to the police and when a perpetrator is finally convicted of a gender-based violence and femicide related crime is usually five or six years because of the shoddy investigative work by the police and the lack of action by the courts.

And because the police and the courts are not pro-active and do not act as effective deterrent against sexual crimes, the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide continue to plague women in South Africa, she said.

“What happens to Goitsemang, is a microcosmos of what happens to most women who are victims of gender-based violence. That is one of the reasons why 1000 Women Trust has launched Project Orange and the GBV-Warriors, to assist women attacked by perpetrators of gender-based violence in order to liaise effectively with service providers like the police and the courts in the 24 hours after an attack.

“We will follow up on the case of Goitsemang and will put pressure on the investigative officer in association with our sister organizations in Gauteng to ensure that there is not a further postponement to her case,” Thiart said.

The 1000 Women Trust is a South African organization that works to end gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. The organization's mission is to empower women and girls through education, resources, and training.

For more information, contact the Trust on 061-4690479 or email us on info@1000women.co.za .

Executive leaders in Free State in awe of 1000 Women Trust and GBV-Warriors, says Setlogelo

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:04:09 GMT

Executive leaders in Free State in awe of 1000 Women Trust and GBV-Warriors, says Setlogelo

“I got attracted to the GBV Warriors and Project Orange through the way 1000 Women Trust capacitated women at grass roots level,” said Thuto Setlogelo, deputy director of risk management at the department of the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Setlogelo is a GBV Warrior of 1000 Women Trust and an avid supporter of the work that has been done by Tina Thiart, co-founder of the Trust, in the Free State and nationwide.

She said the trauma training done by 1000 Women Trust and the pamphlets on bullying has touched the lives of many leaders in executive positions in the Free State.

“And the concept of GBV Warriors introduced by 1000 Women Trust has had magistrates, executive majors and community police force members in awe and have had them wanting to come on board as well as GBV-Warriors,” said Setlogelo.

“The community work that I did and the national strategic plan on gender-based violence and femicide triggered an interest in me and made me come to the realization that we need to create safe spaces for women in the community affected by GBV.

“And that is exactly what the GBV-Warriors of 1000 Women Trust do. We create safe spaces for women in dire need of attention and assistance,” said Setlogelo.

There is a lack of knowledge on bullying, the different types of femicide and gender-based violence and that is where 1000 Women Trust plays a pivotal role. Expanding the Trust’s work to all provinces and handing over certificates for newly appointed GBV-Warriors truly touches the lives of many people, Setlogelo says.

“I think we need to print more pamphlets on GBV like the ones we have on bullying and share them with victims as it really is transformative,” she adds.

Setlogelo is one of the GBV-Warriors on the front line, combating gender-based violence, supporting survivors, and creating safe spaces in their communities. These dedicated women provide resources, guidance, and hope to those most in need.

This November, the 1000 Women Trust is launching a collection drive to support our GBV Advice Offices in key hotspots across the country, as part of #ProjectOrange.

Project Orange revolves around creating safe spaces in a room or a house where women severely affected by violence in GBV-hotspots can turn to a GBV Warrior to assist her in the critical first 24 hours after an attack.

We need paint—lots of it! Orange, Navy, White, Black—and supplies like brushes, terps, and trays to transform these offices into safe spaces for survivors. Can you help?

Our GBV Warriors on the ground in Durban, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Beaufort West are ready, but they need some love and support. Even if you can only share this message, that could be the spark that connects us to the right person.

This November, let’s show up for survivors. Your donations of #paint, #cash, #toiletries, or #bedding will go directly to furnishing these safe havens. Together, we can create real change during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #1000WomenTrust #SupportSurvivors #GBV #1000Women1Voice #ProjectOrange.

1000 Women Trust is a South African organization that works to end gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. The organization's mission is to empower women and girls through education, resources, and training.

For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on 061-4690479 or send an email to info@1000women.co.za .

Protection money paid to prevent girls from being raped points to collapse of law and order

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 21:29:59 GMT

‘Protection money paid to prevent girls from being raped points to collapse of law and order’

Women and girls leaving protection money on their windowsills to persuade men not to rape them – this is what happened in the Mqhekezweni-settlement 40 kilometer south of Mtatha in the Eastern Cape where five grade 12-girls were raped at the end of October, according to a netwerk24.com-report.

This is an enormous indictment on the complete inability of the government and police to protect its own citizens.

“The alarming news about women and girls allegedly paying protection money to men to prevent them from being rape, as reported by netwerk24, points to the fact that law and order in this country has completely collapsed,” said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, a women-led organization creating awareness of gender-based violence and femicide.

“These girls are paying – and it is obviously wrong – protection money because they know they are in peril danger and could even lose their lives. They do this as they are fully convinced that the South African Police Service is not able to protect them,” said Thiart.

“And when five girls are raped, it might take four to five years before the rapists are convicted. Government is paying lip-service to eradicating gender-based violence and femicide. At grass roots level, the fight is lost at police stations and courts, where police officers and court officials fail dismally to assist suffering women,” Thiart said.

The failures to protect and assist women, not only occur in the Eastern Cape. In the Free State, at the campus of the University of the Free State, there are so-called safe corridors for women, and there are other areas that is marked as so-called no-go areas. Again, this is an indictment of the complete ability of government to protect women and girls, said Thiart.

These recent events underline the pivotal importance of Project Orange, the GBV-Warriors and of regional advice offices – initiatives launched by 1000 Women Trust – to secure safe spaces for women in South Africa.

So far, 1000 Women Trust has earmarked at least six advice offices, but judging from the way the community have embraced Project Orange, as well as the scale of gender-based violence, 1000 Women Trust needs to expand Project Orange and multiply the advice offices to strengthen the support structures for communities and mobilize people against the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa, said Thiart.

For more information, contact the Trust on 061-4690479 or send an email to info@1000women.co.za

Thiart salutes Wendy Ackerman on her honorary doctorate

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 18:16:06 GMT

Philanthropist Wendy Ackerman, also a co-founder and long-time trustee of the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, will receive an honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University (SU) at upcoming graduation ceremonies in December 2024.

“Mrs Ackerman is a legendary activist in the gender-based violence sphere through her tireless work to support survivors of gender-based violence, her unwavering support of 1000 Women Trust as a co-founder and trustee and the financial support by her and her late husband Raymond to the famous annual lunches to empower women,” said Tina Thiart, of 1000 Women Trust and a co-founder of the organization.

“Wendy played a pivotal role in founding the idea of 1000 Women Trust and had been one of the pillars of the Trust and of the #HearMeToo-movement for two decades. We are immensely proud of her achievement and warmly congratulate her on this prestigious honour that is bestowed upon her,” Thiart said.

Ackerman’s philanthropy has spanned over several decades, with her consistent support benefitting women, children, and the arts for more than 40 years. She will receive the degree Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), honoris causa.

The Ackermans helped build one of the country’s pre-eminent FMCG retailers, Pick ‘n Pay, consisting of around 2 000 stores and employing around 90 000 people, according to Cape Business News.

As one of the founders and Honorary Life President of Pick n Pay stores, her work to empower and promote women has been a hallmark of her efforts at Pick n Pay.

She was instrumental in getting women recognised as senior, career-oriented employees in the 1970s, seen at the time to have been too progressive for some companies.

Now devoting much of her time to her family’s philanthropic endeavours and work for the underprivileged and vulnerable, she continues to fight for women’s rights today.

She is involved in several education initiatives, but her greatest passion is the support she gives to promising students, particularly music students. She has run bursary schemes since 1973 and her graduates have achieved outstanding success, some performing at the finest orchestras and opera houses throughout the world. She is also a Trustee of the Pick n Pay Bursary Fund which assists children of employees.

For more information, contact the Trust on 061-4690479 or email us at info@1000women.co.za .

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 10TH OCTOBER 2024

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 21:09:58 GMT

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 10 ^TH OCTOBER 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

‘Eight bride burnings in Free State in 2024 an indication of disturbing trend’

Eight women were killed through bride burnings by jealous husbands or boyfriends in the Free State in the first nine months of 2024, an indication that this brutal femicide is becoming a disturbing trend, and government will have to deal with it decisively, said Tina Thiart, co-founder of 1000 Women Trust, a women-led organization creating awareness of gender-based violence in South Africa.

1000 Women Trust regularly hosts trauma training in Bloemfontein for members of the community and is conducting anti-bully courses in several hundred Free State Schools.

“We are deeply disturbed and concerned by the brutal killings of women in the Free State by their husbands or boyfriends through what is commonly known as bride burnings,” said Thiart. “In some of these cases, the killer did not want the woman to end a toxic relationship and he falsely accused her of infidelity,” Thiart said.

“These so-called bride burnings have also now spilled over to other provinces. On Saturday 5 ^th October, a woman was set alight and killed by her boyfriend in Tembisa,” Thiart added.

“These bride burnings are not related to dowry death (common in the Indian subcontinent) where a woman is murdered by her husband or his family for her family’s refusal to pay additional dowry. These bride burnings are purely motivated by anger and hate when a woman ends a relationship, or when a man raped a woman and he thinks that by burning her he can conceal ‘evidence’,” Thiart said.

“Government will have to demonstrate that they have the political will to deal with these femicides. Firstly, by denying the alleged offender bail, and secondly by double life sentences without early parole,” Thiart added.

“The femicide rate in South Africa just underlines that this is one of the most unsafe places in the world to be a woman. The murder rate for women has increased from 10 murders per 100 000 women in 2021 to 13 per 100 000 in 2023,” Thiart added.

In 2021, 3121 women were reported killed, an average of 8.6 per women a day. In 2023, that number increased to 3880, an average of 10.6 women a day.

The first quarter of 2024/2025 saw 966 women and 314 children murdered – a statistic that underscores the failure of our government to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. These figures translate to 11 women and three children being murdered every day, Thiart said.

“The scale of gender-based violence in South Africa – there are 170 sexual assaults per day – is so comprehensive that 1000 Women Trust is training 250 GBV Warriors in hotspots around the country to assist women affected by GBV in the first 24 hours after an attack,” Thiart said.

Thuto Setlogelo from the Free State Cooperate Governance and Traditional Affairs department, who also is a GBV-Warrior in collaboration with 1000 Women Trust, said in some cases the offenders who burned his bride beyond recognition, thought that he could conceal evidence by this heinous act. “We have heard that the offenders often used flammable substance like methylated acid to burn the victims,” she said.

Setlogelo said societal and cultural factors contribute to femicide. One of the underlying factors in the femicide in the Free State is patriarchal norms and gender inequality.

The objectification of women also plays a role, while the normalization of violence against women is another factor. “I believe the cultural acceptance of violence as a means of conflict resolution is a key factor in the killing of women by their intimate partners in South Africa,” Setlogelo said.

She said substance abuse, jealousy and insecurity as well as possessiveness and control are some of the relationship factors that could play a role in the brutal femicide by burning.

Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on 073-2079079 or visit the website on www.1000women.co.za .

September Self-Care: Your better tomorrow starts today

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 23:22:37 GMT

"Build a body of evidence and create an exit plan. Know where to go, have some savings, and identify who to call. Keep clothes and important documents with someone you trust to assist in the process."

Ntsiki Mkhize, Ambassador 1000 WomenTrust

Over the last month, we’ve shared several light-hearted self-care tips that may have seemed simple on the surface. However, these were more than just feel-good suggestions—they were part of a powerful toolkit designed to help women trapped in abusive relationships prepare for a way out. Today, we present a summary of those tips, highlighting how they can be applied as practical steps to reclaim control of your life.

If you are someone in need, or if you have a friend who is struggling, these steps can provide the focus and preparation required to make the difficult, but necessary, change.

Focusing on Simple Steps

The first two weeks were all about getting focused. We started with simple, do-able actions like making your bed, engaging in physical exercise, and decluttering your space. These small victories are crucial. Why? Because chaos drains you. Starting your day by making your bed gives you a sense of control and accomplishment. It’s not just about tidying up—it’s about creating a space where you can think clearly and begin to rediscover yourself.

Reaching out to friends is equally important. Isolation can make you lose sight of who you are. Connecting with others helps you reconnect with yourself and sparks the beginning of rediscovering who you want to be.

Step 1 is critical: find you.

Sorting Your Life and Admin

Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t easy—it requires planning. In Week 3, we explored tips on getting your admin in order. Make a file for your documents, open a bank account, save money, and get a will in place. Having your finances and essential papers organised ensures that when the time comes to leave, you are ready.

Even if you’re in a happy marriage, this is a life skill every woman should master. Don’t be vulnerable to others taking advantage of you. Know your passwords, where your documents are, and who to call in an emergency. By organising your life now, you prepare for any challenge that may come your way.

Preparing for the Unexpected

In Week 4, we focused on the physical and practical steps you’ll need to take. Pack an emergency go-bag with clothes, food, water, and other essentials. Know where you will go and who to call when you decide to leave. This isn’t just about leaving an abusive partner—it could be a way to cope after a natural disaster or another life-altering event.

Being prepared gives you the strength to act when it matters most.

Empowerment and Advocacy

The final week was also about standing strong. On the 25th of every month, we wear orange to raise awareness and stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Wearing orange signals to those in need that you are a safe person, someone they can trust.

We encouraged you to print helplines, contact support organisations, and make a plan before you leave. Preparation is key. By taking these steps, you’re training your brain to cope and empowering yourself to take control of your future.

A Final Word

Leaving an abusive relationship takes time, courage, and preparation. It may take a month or more to feel ready, but these steps will guide you through the process. Empower yourself by knowing your rights, taking control of your environment, and planning for your safety.

Today, make your bed, and share this guide—you never know, you might be the first step in someone's better tomorrow.

Week 1: Focus and connect
Week 2: Get organised and stay prepared
Week 3: Pack your essentials and be ready for anything
Week 4: Stand strong, advocate for yourself, and wear orange to show you care

You’ve got this. Your better tomorrow starts today.

1000 Women Trust - Self-Care September: A Journey of Growth and Healing

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:26:29 GMT

SA women must know their rights at a police station when confronted with officers who refuse to open a case

It is time for South African women who have been subjected to gender-based violence and whose attempt to report it at a police-office only to suffer secondary victimization while police officers refuse to open cases, to remember Instruction 3 of 2011 and report police officers who stubbornly refuse to assist you, says Tina Thiart, executive trustee of the women-led organization.

In light of the Apparent occurrences of difficulty in registering cases with the police all members and citizens should be aware of the following National instruction with regards to SAPS members opening cases or registering a criminal offence, Thiart says.

Refusal by SAPS members in assisting complainants to open criminal dockets in terms of SAPS NATIONAL INSTRUCTION 3 OF 2011

Know your rights as a complainant

1. It has been reported that members stationed at various police stations are refusing to open cases involving women and children due to the following reasons:

1.1 The complainant cannot identify the suspect by name.

1.2 The complainant did not bring the suspect to the police station.

1.3 The crime did not happen within the stations boundary

1.4 The member who is attending to the complainant does not think that is serious enough.

1.5 Complainants are told to resolve the issue with the suspect.

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE

3. National instruction 3 of 2011 regulates opening and registering of case dockets.

3.1 Section 1 of the National Instruction ; a member who receives the complaint must interview the complainant in order to see if the complaint meets the requirement for that

specific crime.

3.2 According to Section 2, Complainants must never be referred to another police station even if the crime was committed in another police station area.

4. (CSC) Community Service Centre is responsible for ensuring that:

4.1 Complainants or reporters of crime , whether the crime was committed in his/her station area or in the station area of another police station, are treated courteously and that a comprehensive affidavit is taken from the complainant or reporter of the crime.

4.2 Complainants or reporters of crime are not referred to another station to lodge complaints of crime

4.3 All complaints and reports made by the public receive immediate attention.

5. Cluster commanders and Station Commander's must ensure that all members who do not comply with National instruction 3 of 2011 are subjected to disciplinary steps.

Members of the public - Please report If SAPS members refuse to open your case:

#SAPS National complaints centre:

Tell: 080033177 or 0860264487

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 about 1000 Women Trust, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or send a mail to info@1000women.co.za .

SA women must know their rights at a police station when confronted with officers who refuse to open a case

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:22:48 GMT

SA women must know their rights at a police station when confronted with officers who refuse to open a case

Refusal by SAPS members in assisting complainants to open criminal dockets in terms of SAPS NATIONAL INSTRUCTION 3 OF 2011

Know your rights as a complainant

1. It has been reported that members stationed at various police stations are refusing to open cases involving women and children due to the following reasons:

1.1 The complainant cannot identify the suspect by name.

1.2 The complainant did not bring the suspect to the police station.

1.3 The crime did not happen within the stations boundary

1.4 The member who is attending to the complainant does not think that is serious enough.

1.5 Complainants are told to resolve the issue with the suspect.

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE

3. National instruction 3 of 2011 regulates opening and registering of case dockets.

3.1 Section 1 of the National Instruction ; a member who receives the complaint must interview the complainant in order to see if the complaint meets the requirement for that

specific crime.

3.2 According to Section 2, Complainants must never be referred to another police station even if the crime was committed in another police station area.

4. (CSC) Community Service Centre is responsible for ensuring that:

4.2 Complainants or reporters of crime are not referred to another station to lodge complaints of crime

4.3 All complaints and reports made by the public receive immediate attention.

5. Cluster commanders and Station Commander's must ensure that all members who do not comply with National instruction 3 of 2011 are subjected to disciplinary steps.

Members of the public - Please report If SAPS members refuse to open your case:

#SAPS National complaints centre:

Tell: 080033177 or 0860264487

Police crime statistics – why 1000 Women Trust’s initiatives should be backed

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:20:03 GMT

Police crime statistics – why 1000 Women Trust’s initiatives should be backed

The announcement of the crime statistics for the period between April and the end of June 2024 on Friday 30 ^th August is a grim reminder that South Africa is losing the fight to protect women and children against perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide.

The introduction of a national strategic plan on gender-based violence and femicide, and new laws have done very little to change the fate of South Africa’s women and girls.

Crimes against women and children showed an increase, according to the released statistics. There were 966 women murdered during the three-month period from April to the end of June 2024 (an increase of 7.9%) and 1 644 attempted murders (16% increase) of women.

There were 314 children murdered (a 7.2% increase), and 242 attempted murders recorded (20% increase).

Rape cases increased by 0.6%, with 57 more offences reported between April and June, from 9,252 in the same period last year to 9,309.

Most reported rapes happened in the residences of perpetrators, said Maj-Gen Thulare Sekhukhune, who presented the statistics.

“We did a sample of 7,165 and it indicated 4,265 of the rapes happened in the residence of the perpetrator, the second is in a public place [with] 1,766 reported and we also had 91 rapes taking place in educational institutions.”

Of the 91 rapes, 74 happened in schools.

Why is this happening? There are three reasons.

Firstly, the second pillar of the national strategic plan on GBV and Femicide is simply dysfunctional. The second pillar is about prevention of GBV and Femicide and rebuilding social cohesion.

It should be addressing the root causes of GBV, like the ideas of masculinity that believe in men controlling women and ideas of femininity that promote women’s subordination of men.

That pillar is falling down. The hearts and minds of men are not changing.

The Human Sciences Research Council has just completed the first-ever national survey on GBV prevalence in a democratic South Africa.

The study was undertaken in 2022 based on a random sample of people interviewed at home.

It measured issues like physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse, as well as controlling behavior between intimate partners.

Among other things, the survey found that around 7 percent of women aged 18 years and older had experienced physical or sexual violence in the past 12 months.

This rate was highest among young women, black women, women who completed secondary education, and women who are unmarried but live with a partner.

This figure is the equivalent of 1.5 million women.

So, according to the HSRC survey, over the course of just one year, more than one and a half million women experienced physical or sexual violence in our country.

1000 Women Trust introduced ground-breaking initiatives in 2020 - #Make Time and Talking to Boys – which highlights the importance of parents’ sharing values like gender-equality, respect for women and girls and consent with young males in their foundational stages.

This 1000 Women Trust-initiative should have become part of the schools curriculums all over South Africa.

The strategic incentives by 1000 Women Trust to address the national scourge of bullying at schools has reached 10000 people, but it should be part of the curriculums in the 26500 public schools in the country. For it is clear that a majority of learners who are perpetrators of bullying later engage in gender-based violence.

The second reason why South Africa is losing the war on gender-based violence, is that laws and national strategic plans on GBV and femicide must be policed.

Differently stated, the police through effective and efficient actions, as well as the national prosecuting authority must act as a strong deterrent to perpetrators of GBV. But they fail dismally to do that.

The brutal rape of a one-year old baby at a creche in Newlands-East in May this year is still unsolved. Nobody has been arrested. It is a reminder of the inability of the police to act quickly and decisively against perpetrators. What has happened to the perpetrators who raped eight Krugersdorp-women two years ago? Nothing.

There are endless examples of these poor police-performances.

Lastly, women-led organizations like 1000 Women Trust who play a pivotal part in creating awareness about GBV, receive very little support from government.

The latest statistics proves again that 1000 Women Trust’s initiative to launch the GBV-Warriors-campaign to support and provide safe spaces for women in the period immediately after an attack at GBV advice offices in hot spots across the country, is pivotal to strengthen and mobilize communities.

But 1000 Women Trust needs financial support and the backing of business and the private sector to expand that advice offices to even more GBV-hotspots in the country than the six initial offices that it plans to open.

1000 Women Trust is a South African Women's Rights Organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For more information visit www.1000women.co.za .

Mkhize, ambassador of 1000 Women Trust, shares struggles with psychological abuse

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:17:55 GMT

Mkhize, ambassador of 1000 Women Trust, shares struggles with psychological abuse

Her own personal experience with a toxic relationship which ended in immense psychological abuse and required enormous effort, support and therapy to overcome, was one of the factors which motivated her to become an ambassador of 1000 Women Trust, says Ntsiki Mkhize, a former Miss South Africa second princess, author and internationally acclaimed speaker.

Mkhize, founder of MentHer, a platform that shares inspirational stories of social entrepreneurs on their journey of creating social impact, is currently working on the second edition of her inaugural book, My Hall of Mentors.

Mkhize was frank about her own challenges: “I have personally experienced a toxic relationship that ended in immense psychological abuse. It took a tremendous amount of effort, support and therapy to get back to feeling my old self.

“Equally as a coach working with female founders, I have seen firsthand how education and financial freedom can support women to exit toxic and abusive situations. I want to be a voice to show that abuse can happen in many ways. I also want to show women that we can overcome.”

She says she knows people who have experienced gender-based violence and she has been part of their support system. The most strenuous aspect of GBV has been the impact on the children, and how to support them to find stability.

Asked what her advice to be on SA women who suffer from GBV, Mkhize said: “Build a body of evidence and get an exit plan.” She added that a plan to leave will help you know where to go, have some savings and know who to call. Placing clothes and important documents with someone you can trust, can assist with the process, she added.

Mkhize gave her first TEDx Talk at Cumbernauld Women and was featured as the youngest speaker at the International Speakers Summit and Epic Entrepreneurs Virtual conference in 2020.

Asked what her advice would be to women who want to be more successful, Mkhize said one must get clear about your own goals and what it is you want to achieve and then say it out load. “Belief and confidence are the first steps. You have to know you can do it. Then find people who can support you. Mentors and a strong network are critical,” she said.

For more information, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or send a mail to info@1000women.co.za .

A shocking report by the Auditor-general reveals how government is abandoning women

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:15:16 GMT

A shocking report by the Auditor-general reveals how government is abandoning women

The latest report by the auditor-general that the Gauteng Department of Social Development shockingly underspend R554 million which resulted in so many NGO’s, including organizations supporting victims of gender-based violence and femicide, having had to close their doors, is an indictment of government. And it proves that the national government and provincial governments, especially under ANC-control, pays only lip service to turn the tide against the second pandemic of GBV.

The Auditor-General’s report highlights severe financial mismanagement within the department, including irregular expenditure and material misstatements in the performance report. This gross negligence comes in a province where NPOs are forced to shut down due to a lack of funds and where the scars of the Life Esidimeni tragedy are still fresh.

The R554 million underspend could have been used to provide vital services for older people, behaviour change programs, family preservation, and substance use treatment, as well as to support NPOs and prevent their closure, the Democratic Alliance said in a statement.

One can add to this the service delivery to NGOs who are at the forefront of creating awareness of GBV and femicide and protecting vulnerable women and children. Some excellent organizations that fulfilled an indispensable role in supporting these women and children, had to close their doors.

Instead, this money has been wasted and returned to the Treasury, leaving many without the support they desperately need.

The DA has long criticised the department for its lack of effective planning and implementation. When we exposed these issues, it resulted in a lot of spin-doctoring, with the former MEC Mbali Hlophe accusing the DA of “peddling lies” and claiming that her department had achieved 81% of its performance targets.

However, the AG’s findings confirm that our concerns were well-founded and expose the former MEC’s attempts to deflect blame and misrepresent the department’s performance.

The failure to utilise these funds effectively constitutes a grave injustice against Gauteng’s poorest and most vulnerable.

MEC Mazibuko must take decisive steps to clean out the department and hold the Head of Department accountable for these failures. We expect her to implement the necessary reforms and oversight within the next month to address these issues effectively, said the DA.

Government is big on promises, big on document, big on policies, but strategically poor. What will stop GBV in South Africa – an enormous change in hearts and minds of men, which might take decades, even half a century, a massive improvement in effectiveness by the South African Police Services, and lastly, enormous support for the work o the NGOs who are the lifeblood of work in communities to strengthen women and children and help them to become economically active and independent citizens of this country recalibrating their lives after GBV.

But in all three these areas, the government is truly in disarray.

Organizations like 1000 Women Trust, the TEARS foundation and many others have had to stay afloat by excellent management and the establishment of good partnerships with donors and the private sector.

Without these organizations, South Africa would have been in even deeper strife.

1000 Women Trust launches GBV-Warriors, Project Orange and introduces advice offices

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 18:11:23 GMT

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 21 ^ST AUGUST 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1000 Women Trust launches GBV-Warriors, Project Orange and introduces advice offices

The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust has launched a national GBV-Warriors-campaign and Project Orange to provide critical support to women and children severely impacted by gender-based violence, particularly within the crucial first 24 hours after an attack.

Gender-based violence in South Africa is rife. Daily, 114 women in South Africa are attacked and 170 women are sexually assaulted.

The GBV-Warriors are foot soldiers who are on the ground in communities, providing crucial support to abused women.

Project Orange, in essence, is the availability of rooms managed by trained GBV-Warriors in the community who will establish a comfortable and welcoming environment to women who are victims of GBV.

There they will receive assistance in these rooms before transitioning to service providers the next day, like shelters and Thuthuzela Care Centres.

They will also aid them at courts when these women are in need of protection orders.

Operating as a 24-hour emergency sanctuary, Project Orange aims to provide survivors with aid during their most vulnerable moments.

“It might happen that a woman is attacked at night and have no access to a shelter, or to a Thuthuzela Care Centre, and requires a safe space with physical and emotional support for the next day. That is where Project Orange and the welcoming availability of the GBV-Warriors are life-savers,” said Thiart.

Project Orange forms part of 1000 Women Trust’s comprehensive, nation-wide strategy to establish GBV Community Advice Offices in vulnerable communities. They offer physical safety, emotional support, and guidance to survivors of GBV.

The Trust aims to establish a footprint of Community Advice Offices in GBV-hotspots, as identified by communities and the police.

In phase one, 1000 Women Trust will establish community advice offices in Nyanga-East in the Cape Peninsula, Newlands East in Durban, in Olivenhoutbosch in Centurion and in the Wattville township in Ekurhuleni.

In phase two, they will roll out community advice offices in Beaufort-West, where there is no shelter for 200 km, and at Clanwilliam, where there is no shelter.

“Why the colour Orange? We utilize the colour orange as a symbol of optimism and commitment to a community free from violence,” said Thiart.

“We aim to train 250 GBV-Warriors nationwide by 2025,” she added.

1000 Women Trust’s event calendar for the rest of August:

Gauteng Event (Breakfast): 24 ^th August.

Thiart will address women at the Iziko Women’s empowerment indaba in Lethabong on Saturday 24 ^th August. The event is co-hosted by the Champions Care Centre.For more info on the event, contact 063-9911274 or 010-0651733.

-Free State Friends (Hideout Venue, 23 Floris Coetzee Rd, Rayton, Bloem): August 29

-KZN Event (Honorary Walk - Nadia Bernon): August 31. The event, at Roseland Primary school at 2 Carrupa Crescent, Newlands-East in Durban, will be a 1000 Women Festival event, which will feature a certificate ceremony, honouring GBV-life coaches and GBV-Warriors.

Women requiring more information on the events, can RSVP on 0614690479.

Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns on behalf of 1000 Women Trust. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on 0732079079, or visit the website on www.1000women.co.za

GBV-Warriors ready for lift-off as 1000 Women Trust answers community-outcries for safe spaces in hotspots

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:54:42 GMT

GBV-Warriors ready for lift-off as 1000 Women Trust answers community-outcries for safe spaces in hotspots

The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust has announced its ground-breaking Gender-based Violence Warrior-project, a national initiative aimed at providing critical immediate assistance and safe spaces to women severely affected by gender-based violence in vulnerable communities.

“Our immediate aim is to mobilise 250 GBV-Warriors in South Africa whose expertise will be utilized to support vulnerable women and are activists who strengthen their communities,” said Tina Thiart, managing tustee of 1000 Women Trust,

Women who have completed the trauma and anti-bully training of 1000 Women Trust, who have facilitated #HearMeToo-sessions in their community, and who partner with the social worker in their community and work with the local police, qualify to become GBV-Warriors, said Thiart.

She added that a GBV-Warrior will also organize GBV-awareness in her community.

On Thursday 15 ^th August, 1000 Women Trust will host an event at the Peninsula Hotel in Sea Point, to celebrate the GBV-Warriors who are already active in communities and have establishing support groups for women affected by gender-based violence and sexual assaults.

Shada Francis, transformational life coach and cognitive behavioral therapist, will do a presentation on the importance of self-care for activists and self-care opportunities.

Claudia Roodt, clinical social worker and trauma informed trainer, and Adrie Jurgensen, brand and social media manager of 1000 Women Trust, will address the attendees on creating safe spaces and empowering young minds through trauma-informed corners.

Thiart will focus on the GBV Warriors and Project Orange, empowering communities, thus leading change.

The 1000 Women Trust will also host an event on 29 ^th August at 23 Floris Coetzee Road in Rayton Bloemfontein where women aspiring to join a growing group of GBV-Warriors will be trained, educated and equipped to become Warriors.

“The GBV-Warrior-project is an answer to a collective outcry from many South African communities. They have pointed to the urgent need for immediate emergency services for women who suffer continuous abuse. A total of 112 South Africa women fall prey to rapists daily and 170 are sexually assaulted every day,” said Thiart.

The objective of 1000 Women Trust is to mobilize resources to equip women’s organizations that support, raise awareness and provide opportunities for women and children who have been affected by violence.

For more information about the GBV-Warriors-project and the 1000 Women Trust, please visit www.1000women.co.za .

Fourteen Women's shelters in the Western Cape face imminent closure if they don’t receive emergency funding

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:35:11 GMT

Fourteen Women's shelters in the Western Cape face imminent closure if they don’t receive emergency funding

Fourteen of the twenty shelters that form part of the Western Cape Women’s Shelter Movement (WSM) face closure imminently should they not be able to raise emergency funding, said Delene Roberts, chairperson of the Western Cape Women’s Shelter movement.

Shelters are unable to raise sufficient funds to cover the deficit in their budgets after the allocation of funding received from the department of social development.

One of these shelters might have to close at the end of December, while many of the other 13 could only survive for another two to three months.

Letting women and children return to the homes of some of the most brutal sexual offenders and abusers in the world, is almost unthinkable for the shelter movement.

Tina Thiart, director of 1000 Women Trust, a women-led organization that is at the forefront of fighting the pandemic of gender-based violence, said: “We are shocked to hear about the financial challenge of the shelters in the Western Cape. As 1000 women Trust, we have evidence that gender-based violence spike during the holidays and that many women will need shelter from 16th December when many companies close their doors. We appeal to the government to keep their promise and look at alternative funding for the shelters. The gender-based violence response fund should also provide much needed funding to the shelters. We call on women in South Africa to support the shelter movement and to donate to the shelter near you.”

Roberts said the situation is exacerbated by the escalating economic crisis and rising costs for basic goods. Shelters forming part of the Western Cape Women’s Shelter Movement offer services raging from short- and long-term shelter to legal, psychological and economic empowerment services to women and children survivors of gender-based violence.

Roberts explains: “We urgently need the private sector to support the fight against gender-based violence, shelters cannot do this alone.” Kathy Cronje, vice chairperson of the Western Cape Women’s Shelter Movement adds: “To put it simply, many of us will not be able to continue to offer services very shortly, if we do not receive emergency assistance.”

About 310 people in 14 shelters would be affected if the shelters face closure. “One of the shelters only have enough funding until the end of December, while the others can only survive for two or three months,” Roberts continued.

“If they do close, we will try and accommodate the women at the other shelters, but what happens if those shelters are full. The women might face primary abuse and trauma if they would have to go back to the homes where the perpetrators of gender-based violence live. That would be a primary trauma, and then there is secondary trauma if they have to report abuse to the police. A third level of trauma would be if they are told that the shelter movement can no longer afford to accommodate them,” said Roberts.

She said she cannot speak on behalf of the other shelters, but the shelter she is involved with, will need approximately R40000 to R50 000 per month to carry on, Roberts said.

More than 13000 women were victims of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm between July and the end of September 2022, while 1277 women were victims of attempted murder, and 989 women were murdered between July and September. More than 10000 rape cases were opened at SAPS during the same period.

Kathy Cronjé, vice chairperson of the Western Cape Women’s Shelter movement and director at the Safe House, said the twenty managers of the Western Cape Women’s shelter movement will fight hard in order to keep the women at the shelters. “it is unthinkable to have a situation where the doors of shelters must be closed. We don’t want women to return to the homes of the offenders.

“COVID 19 was horrendous because of multiple reasons but one of those was that there was donor and funding fatigue. Less money is spent on corporate social responsibility, but there is still money out there.

“The scale of gender-based violence in South Africa is five times that of the global average. Why is money not pouring into South Africa to manage this crisis and eradicate gender-based violence. We at the shelters are at the coalface of the fight of gender-based violence, and we desperately need the private sector and private donors to assist us,” she added.

People who want to assist the Western Cape Shelter movement, can contact Delene Roberts on 063-7745789 or manager@sisters.org.za or Kathy Cronje on on 0842079102 or kathy@thesafehouse.org.za.

1000 Women Trust is a women’s organization that aims to raise awareness around gender-based violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for the Trust to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development.

Thairt said NPOs have stepped up and are playing their part, we now ask all South Africans to support the shelters. Please contact 1000 Women Trust on 0732079079 if you need the address of a shelter near you

For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on info@1000women.co.za or visit the website on www.1000women.co.za.

1000 Women festival focus on business opportunities, vendor-sales and bullying

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:10:43 GMT

PRESS RELEASE ON BEHALF OF 1000 WOMEN TRUST: 29 ^TH JULY 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1000 Women festival focus on business opportunities, vendor-sales and bullying

Vendors showcasing their handmade goods, new business opportunities for unemployed women and tips when reporting gender-based violence related incidents will be some of the focal points of the 1000 Women Festival at the Artscape in Cape Town on 6 ^th August.

The 1000 Women Festival, hosted by the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust, a leading organization creating awareness of gender-based violence and bullying, is one of the annual highlights on the social calendar of Cape Town.

More than 400 people are expected at the festival.

Freda Camphor, assistant director of department of employment and labour, will highlight employment opportunities for the unemployed.

Truida Prekel, innovation catalyst and managing director of Synnovation Solutions, will speak about innovation in business.

Janine Myburgh, managing director at Myburgh Attorneys Inc, Caroline Peters, director of the Callas Foundation, and Lorraine Moko, social worker at 1000 Women Trust, will speak about new legislation pertaining to gender-based violence and will share key tips when reporting GBV.

Wendy Ackerman, founding member of 1000 Women Trust, will share an introductory message.

Marlene le Roux, CEO of the Artscape theatre, will welcome the guests at the 1000 Women festival.

More than 10000 South Africans have already completed the trauma training course of 1000 Women Trust, while more than 5000 teachers, parents and learners have enlisted to complete its anti-bully course. The Trust’s groundbreaking work is utilized nationally in bully- and GBV-hotspots across South Africa.

1000 Women Trust recently launched a national From-Bystanders-to-Upstanders-competition to mobilise learners at the 26500 public schools to become upstanders who play an active role in exposing bullies, instead of being passive bystanders when bullying takes place.

It is estimated that 3.2 million people are annually bullied, and the dynamic work done by 1000 Women Trust has transformed schools who were under siege from bullies the past year. Many schools in the Free State, Limpopo and the Western Cape are amongst the beneficiaries of the Trust’s life-changing work.

Hanna Anne Barnard, Natalie Chisikane and Vaness Jacobs, winners of the national From-Bystanders-to-Upstanders-competition, will appear on the podium during the 1000 Women Festival.

Lynn Hill, a 14-times global award-winning speaker, author and poet and rape survivor, will deliver a poem item.

The Uncedo Lwethu-foundation will deliver a dance item.

“Through the 1000 Women Festival, we want to celebrate our achievements, but also mobilize resources for our continual programs nationwide to eradicate gender-based violence and femicide,” says Tina Thiart, executive director of 1000 Women Trust.

“We wish to invite women to connect with inspiring individuals and support vendors affected by gender-based violence,” Thiart said. “Don’t miss the incredible opportunity for networking and empowerment.

Tickets for the 1000 Women-festival are still available for only R200 and can be booked at 0614690479. Be part of a movement that raises awareness for gender-based violence and celebrates resilience,” Thiart added.

The 1000 Women Festival will start at 09:00 and finish at 15:00. Lunch will be served at 14:00.

Press release compiled by Fanie Heyns. For more information, contact Tina Thiart on 0732079079 or visit the 1000 Women Trust on www.1000women.co.za .

Family asks questions about police’s failure to properly investigate murder of Eden Moonsamy

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 15:47:44 GMT

Family asks questions about police’s failure to properly investigate murder of Eden Moonsamy

Renewed questions are being asked about the failure of the South African Police Services to investigate femicide and gender-based violence in the wake of the murder of the 19-year old Eden Moonsamy in December last year.

Moonsamy was murdered in Bellair in Ethekwini – apparently by her former boyfriend - and passed away on 23rd December last year. According to the death certificate she died of unnatural causes.

She suffered blunt force trauma to the head. Yet the police have failed to do a full and thorough investigation, says Kathreen Moonsamy, mother of Eden. And nobody has been charged for the murder, despite the fact that the former boyfriend and his family were there with Eden before and after her attack.

Moonsamy was taken to hospital by her former boyfriend, who subsequently phoned Kathreen to tell her she is in hospital due to a “panic attack.”

When Eden’s father visited the hospital where she was on a ventilator, he saw that she had bruises and cuts across her body.

“She was brain dead the moment she arrived at hospital and passed away seven days later,” says Moonsamy.

The investigator did not take statements from Eden’s friends. One of the close friends of Eden claim that the boyfriend of Eden assaulted her with a firearm on several occasions.

The former boyfriend, who is suspected of committing the murder, was very controlling of my daughter, said Kathreen.

“He apparently had a hold on her and she was afraid of him,” Moonsamy said.

“The brigadier said to me this case is not complicated. She died of unnatural causes and a blunt object might have been used. What is complicated,” said Kathreen Moonsamy.

Kathreen says she does not trust the police. “They did not gather all information necessary for a proper case to be investigated. They did not even apply for a section 205,” said Moonsamy.

Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act states that a public prosecutor can request the attendance before him of any person who is required to give information about an alleged offense.

“And if they fail to conduct a proper investigation, I will approach all the relevant media houses in South Africa to expose the poor investigative work by the police and their

failure to act to bring justice. I am reliving a nightmare, my baby was taken away from me and the police don’t investigate,” said Kathreen Moonsamy.

In May this year, the South African Police Services admitted in parliament that over 5.4 million case dockets were closed due to insufficient evidence or leads since the 2018/2019 financial year.

“We support the Moonsamy family and we constantly pursue advocacy in order to expose poor leadership by the police and the department of social development,” said Tina Thiart, executive director of 1000 Women Trust. For more information about the Trust, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or phone us on 061-4690479.

Misplaced priorities by government exposed by allocations to VIP-units, GBV

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 15:37:54 GMT

The budget allocation of R2.177 billion to the presidential VIP protection unit, almost R600 million more than the R1.485 billion to the family violence and child protection unit of the police, has raised concerns, anger and disbelief amongst activists and experts who believes it reflects the government’s misplaced priorities.

Tina Thiart, executive director of 1000 Women Trust, says the allocation of R4.099 billion to VIP protection of which R2.177 billion will be spent on protecting the president and vice-president, versus the R1.485 billion to eradicating gender-based violence, just underlines the lack of political will of government to eradicate GBV and femicide.

“The total police budget is R113 billion, of which R1.485 billion is invested in the protection and the eradicating gender-based violence. How do you stop this second pandemic, which has seen the rape of 42 500 women the past 365 days and the 12282 sexual attacks on women in the last quarter of 2023, by investing so little resources and money into protecting women. Government merely pays lip-service to the protection of women and children,” Thiart said.

There were several high-profile gender-based violence and femicide cases in South Africa in 2024.

In January 2024, Thando Mkhize, a well-known activist, was tragically murdered. Her death caused widespread protests and renewed calls for stronger measures against GBV.

In March 2024, Noluthando Dlamini, a university student, was brutally attacked and left for dead. Her case highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by young women in educational institutions.

Zanele Khumalo, a prominent businesswoman, was found dead in her home in May 2024. The circumstances of her death have led to a high-profile investigation and significant media-coverage.

These cases underscore the urgent need for consistent efforts to combat GBVF and support survivors in South Africa.

But South Africa will not be able to combat GBVF when government does not put their money where their mouths are.

Mbali Shongwe, a prominent GBV change advocate and activist, said: “Allocating R600 million more to the protection of VIP-individuals in the presidency, as opposed to channeling those funds to the millions of women and children who are severely at risk, displays a nonchalant and selfishness by our government towards executing solutions that will actually bring about change in our country,” she told Briefly News.

Dr. Lesedi Mahlangu, a sociologist specialising in gender studies, said the allocation of such a significant amount of money to VIP Protection rather than to GBV prevention efforts is troubling. It sends a message that the safety of a select few is prioritized over the wellbeing of millions of vulnerable citizens. This not only undermines the fight against GBV but also perpetuates a cycle of inequality and injustice, she told Briefly News.

1000 Women Trust is one of the leading women-led organizations that raises awareness around gender-based violence, rape and abuse. The Trust mobilizes resources that make it possible for the Trust to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills-development.

For more information, contact 1000 Women Trust on www.1000women.co.za , or email us on info@1000women.co.za

Charles had to endure physical and emotional abuse, but survived to become 1000 Women Trust-administrator

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 15:33:20 GMT

“If there is anything I can share with other women in an abusive relationship, it would be not to linger,” says Bianca Charles of Fishhoek,loving wife, mother of two and newly appointed Administrative Manager at the 1000 Women Trust.

“Trust your instincts. And when you realize you are in such a relationship, you must try and get out. Because serial abusers’ conduct is progressive. They start by smacking you, then they push you and then they punch,” she added, all while grooming you to believe you deserved it for some reason.

Charles endured the physical violence and the constant harassment of a heavy drinking stepfather, and later suffered at the hands of an abusive boyfriend, but has transformed her life to become a well-respected Administrative Manager of 1000 Women Trust.

Charles grew up living in Pollsmoor where her stepfather was a warden. After matric she studied B.Comm at the University of Cape Town and later on, worked for 15 years at the City of Cape Town, training personnel in the revenue department. She acquired an in-depth experience in all office logistics, report witing, handling of cash and assets, written correspondence and managing of staff and HR-matters, which has equipped he to work under a high level of stress, to multitask various tasks and meeting deadlines.

In April 2024, she started working at 1000 Women Trust as the administrator. She also participated in the Trauma support training course provided by 1000 Women.

Trauma had been part of her life for many years as she suffered at the hands of an abusive stepfather.

“He and his colleagues – wardens at Pollsmoor – drank excessively – not only on weekends but even during the week. We will come home from school and they would be passed out on the couch. And we will be woken up by a screaming mother late at night and would then run to the telephone booth to phone granny to come and fetch us as we were not safe,” she said.

“My sister would not be allowed to sit on the lap of my mother, as my stepfather was jealous,” she said.

“This physical abuse persisted for many years. Luckily my mother divorced my stepfather when I was in matric,” she added.

Charles said she and her sister felt resentment and anger towards her mother for marrying the stepfather and not protecting them from him.

“When I did the trauma training course of 1000 Women Trust, it helped me to bury the grievances and I was reconciled with my mother, as it helped me to understand that a lifetime of her own trauma played a role in obscuring her life decisions,” Charles said.

Her ex-boyfriend, the father to her 16-year old daughter, was very abusive. He not only hurt her physically, but constantly abused her mentally and emotionally, draining her self-esteem for many years.

She left him after a while.

Charles is now happily married to a caring and supportive husband.

Charles said the course material of the trauma training of 1000 Women Trust was not the only helpful resource for her.

Even the anti-bullying material of 1000 Women Trust assisted her in giving guidelines to her seven-year old son Hugo when at school.

The 1000 Women Trust is a women’s organization aiming to raise awareness around gender-based violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources that make it possible for the Trust to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development.

Newlands-East activists bemoan poor medical work, police inaction after rape of 1-year old

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 10:21:11 GMT

Newlands-East activists bemoan poor medical work, police inaction after rape of 1-year old

Poor work by medical professionals at state hospitals in the Durban-area and strong indications that the alleged rapist of a one-year old baby at a creche in Newlands-East is being protected by his sister, a police captain in Durban, has caused an outcry amongst gender-based violence activists in South Africa.

Dr Nadia Bernon, rapid response team leader on gender-based violence and femicide for the Newlands-East Ward 11-area in Durban, said the baby girl, aged 1, was raped at a creche in Newlands-East on the 6 ^th May 2024. A district-general confirmed less than two days ago that she was raped.

“It was reported at a police-station almost immediately, but since then there has been no feedback, no follow-up and no arrest. No justice has been served for the baby girl and her family,” said Dr Bernon.

Dr Bernon is also angry at the medical injustice done to the baby girl. “On the day of the rape that took place, the family went to a doctor at St. George’s Hospital who investigated the injuries sustained. But she wrongly dismissed the injury as an infection and prescribed an anti-biotic.”

Later, on at the Addington-hospital, a government hospital, a district-surgeon admitted that he had no rape kit to test and treat the baby girl.

“There were two medical injustices that contributed to the fact that when the tests were later submitted to the police laboratories, the tests results were inconclusive, said Dr Bernon.

The district-surgeon at the Mahatma Gandhi-hospital who confirmed that the baby was raped, has recently asked why no arrests has not been made. “She was definitely raped, so why has nobody been apprehended,” he asked.

Dr Bernon also said that one at least one occasion, the mother and grandmother of the baby girl suffered secondary victimization at the Newlands-East police officers. “The police officers has harassed the mother and grandmother,” Dr Bennon said.

Activists claim that a man married to the owner of the creche who has had a history of being a sexual predator for 30 years is a suspect. But he has been protected by his sister, a police captain. At a young age, he raped his baby brother. Later on, he even raped his stepdaughter. But he is being protected by his wife and his sister, said Dr Bernon.

“The provincial deputy commissioner of police promised in KwaZulu-Natal promised on national TV that the case will be investigated as a matter or surgery. At least three weeks later, nothing has happened. The case is still with a senior prosecutor of the National Prosecuting Authority, but nothing has happened,” Dr Bernon said.

Tina Thiart, executive director of 1000 Women Trust, announced that 1000 Women Trust will establish a GBV Community advice office as part of its Project Orange in support of the rapid response team on gender-based violence and femicide of the Newlands-East Ward 11-area and other activists in the Durban area.

Project Orange seeks to address the urgent need for immediate assistance and safe spaces for individuals affected by GBV, particularly within the first 24 hours. The project aim to provide rooms for GBV-survivors in six regional advice offices run by trained GBV Warriors and establish a comfortable and homely environment where women can receive support and assistance.

These 24-hour emergency offices are being established in 2024 in key GBV-hotspots in Beaufort-West, Ekurhuleni, Graafwater, Nyanga East, Centurion and Newlands-East.

“With the establishment of safe spaces and the commitment of trained GBV Warriors, we aim to provide survivors with the support they need during the most vulnerable moments,” said Thiart.

Thiart said it is incumbent upon the new minister of police, Senzo Mchunu, and the new government of national unity to come to the party and declare a war on gender-based violence. They must address the abject failure of the police to assist women and children who are subjected to gender-based violence.

The lack of government resources in dealing with gender-based violence is alarming. They solely depend on NPOs for assistance and that is why the NPOs established the Rapid Response Team mandate for direct referral pathways and effective services that close the gaps on secondary victimization, said Thiart.

1000 Women Trust is a women-led organization that stand with survivors and the organizations supporting them. We believe in equipping women with knowledge skills, and resources to chart their own paths towards solutions. We aim to inspire, educate and empower women, driving towards gender-equality in our communities.

For more information, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za , send an email to info@1000women.co.za , or phone us on 0614690479

The 1000 Women Trust Launches Mandela Day Project: Paws and Peace Corners

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:45:48 GMT

In a heartfelt initiative aimed at making a meaningful and lasting impact, The 1000 Women Trust, in partnership with Badisa, Little Seeds ECDs, and Max & Me, is proud to announce the launch of the Mandela Day project: Paws and Peace Corners.

Creating Safe Spaces for Children The Paws and Peace Corners will be installed in various locations where children spend their

time, such as Early Childhood Development Centres, classrooms, offices, police stations, hospitals, and doctor's rooms. These spaces are designed to help children deal with emotions, build empathy, and develop healthy ways to manage frustration, anger, and stress.

Introducing Max, the English Bulldog A unique feature of these corners is the presence of Max, a lovable English Bulldog. Max serves as a comforting figure for children, encouraging them to express their feelings and talk about anything that bothers them. Even very young children, who may not yet have the words to express their emotions, can use the Emotion Cards—featuring images of a cartoon dog depicting various feelings such as fear, frustration, anger, hurt, joy, and love—to communicate their emotional state.

Aims of the Paws and Peace Corners Emotional Identification and Impulse Regulation: Help children identify their emotions and learn to manage them appropriately. Empathy and Respect: Foster empathy and respect for others.

Calming Tools and Activities: Provide children with tools and activities to calm down before acting out.

Appropriate Management of Stress: Teach children how to manage frustration, anger, and stress in a healthy way.

Why This Matters

Adrie Jurgensen, also known as the Mommy Bulldog and the brand and social media specialist at 1000 Women Trust, who is also the inventor of Max & Me, explains, “We expect kids to always behave and be in control, but we don’t always know how to handle it when they act out. Research shows that children who bully often become perpetrators of gender- based violence (GBV) later in life. By addressing these issues at their root cause in an age- appropriate and non-scary way, we can help children learn to trust, express themselves, and build healthy relationships both now and in the future.”

How to Partner with Us

The 1000 Women Trust invite individuals and organisations to sponsor a Paws and Peace Corner. The goal is to establish 20 corners, with the estimated cost per corner being R1000. This includes a sticker, a dog, and a toolkit with two stories, the Emotion Cards, and colouring pages. Additionally, we welcome donations of fidget toys, colouring pencils, soft pillows, and English Bulldogs (toys or handmade). Patterns will be available on Social Media page for those interested in crafting their own contributions.

Contact Information

Any donations can be sent to our office at

Ivanhoe Rd, Fish Hoek,

Cape Town,

7974

Western Cape, South Africa .

To get involved or sponsor a Paws and Peace corner, send an email to info@1000women.co.za or call 061 460 0479 .

Together, we can create a brighter, safer future for our children.

Join us in making a difference this Mandela Day.

1000 Women Trust Launches National From-Bystander-to-Upstander Competition

Adrie@jurgensen.co.za (Adrie Jurgensen) — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 17:04:06 GMT

CAPE TOWN - 1000 Women Trust, a leading women-led organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and bullying, is proud to announce the launch of a national From-Bystander-to-Upstander competition. This initiative aims to mobilise learners across South African schools to address bullying through creative mediums such as posters, songs, poems, stories, or graffiti.

With the distribution of 20,000 pamphlets to schools, 1000 Women Trust invites participation in the competition, encouraging schools to showcase how the 5 D's of being an upstander can be utilised to intervene when bullying occurs at schools. Learners are invited to use the 5 D’s - Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and Direct - as strategies to stand up against bullying, shifting from passive bystanders to proactive upstanders.

Tina Thiart, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee at 1000 Women Trust, explains the significance of the 5 D's: "A bystander witnesses bullying and does nothing, whereas an upstander takes action against it by employing the 5 Ds. These strategies include distracting the bully, delegating to seek help, discreetly documenting the incident, delaying to emotionally support the victim, or directly intervening."

Schools and learners are encouraged to depict one or all of the 5 D’s through creative resources such as stories, poems, posters, or graffiti, fostering awareness of bullying and promoting a supportive school environment.

Thiart emphasizes the impact of encouraging bystanders to become upstanders: "Encouraging more bystanders to become helpful rather than hurtful can significantly reduce the impact of bullying and create a more supportive environment."

The competition offers cash prizes, with R1000 awarded to the most effective depiction of one of the five D’s, R750 for second place, and R500 for third place. Entries can be submitted by tagging #1000WomenVoice on social media, emailing info@1000women.co.za , or sending a WhatsApp message to 061 469 0479. The competition deadline is Thursday 27 June 2024.

Among the participating schools is WSM Malotle Primary School in Brandfort, where 11-year-old Kamogelo Leepile tragically lost his life in a bully-related incident in May 2024. Following the incident, 17 teachers from the school approached 1000 Women Trust to undergo the anti-bullying course.

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Three female teachers killed by boyfriends left Vereeniging-schools in need of counselling

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sat, 25 May 2024 15:29:21 GMT

Three female teachers killed by boyfriends left Vereeniging-schools in need of counselling

Schools in Vereeniging bear the brunt of the tragic deaths of three 33-year old female teachers who were murdered by their boyfriends in 2024, and are struggling to come to terms with the femicides, says Ntolo Nthoroane, an educational convenor and social worker at the Kgomoco Primary School.

Femicide is generally understand to involve the intentional murder of women because they are women, but broader definitions include any killins of women or girls.

Refilwe Majatladi, a teacher at Mahareng Secondary School, Palesa Mofokeng, a teacher at Riverside High and Stella Skhosan, a teacher at Thuto-Lore Comprehensive School, were all murdered by their boyfriends of former boyfriends in 2024.

“These femicides have left many learners and teachers at schools in this (Vereeniging ) area deeply traumatized. These schools are in dire need of counselling to come to terms with these tragic events,” said Nthoroane.

“We are hoping that 1000 Women Trust can make their trauma councilors available to the schools in Vereeniging where many learners and teachers are adversely affected,” she added.

“We are doing group work with women and men to talk about the root causes of gender-based violence,” she said.

“I believe these femicides were caused by boyfriends who wanted to have ownership of their girlfriends and when the relationships broke down, they tried to maintain ownership by killing their girlfriends,” said Nthoroane.

“The scale of femicides is horrible and the schools are feeling it deeply because three female teachers who were only 33 years old, died during this year at the hand of their boyfriends.

“We are doing specific work with male teachers in our school environments with regards to how they process emotions in everyday life,” she added.

“A priest at a memorial service of one of the three women said the murder made him ashamed to be a man,” said Nthoroane.

Nthoroane said one of the most alarming aspects of life at schools in the Vereeniging-area is that bullying is rife, especially in secondary schools.

The women-led organization 1000 Women Trust estimates that bullying affects 57 % of learners in SA schools and that 90 % of bullies go on to become perpetrators of gender-based violence.

The murder-rate of women has increased from 10 murders per 100000 women in 2021 to 13 per 100000 in 2023 according to the latest crime statistics released by the SA police service.

In 2021, 3121 women were reported killed, an average of 8.6 women a day. In 2023, that number increased to 3880, an average of 10.6 women a day. South Africa’s gender-based violence rate is one of the worst in the world.

1000 Women Trust is one of the organizations in South Africa spearheading the fight against gender-based violence. The organization has also impacted the lives of at least 5000 teachers and parents with its ant-bullying-toolkit. Currently, 550 people are doing 1000 Women Trust’s anti-bullying course on-line.

The 1000 Women Trust is a women’s organization that aim to raise awareness around gender-based violence, rape and abuse and mobilize resources. These resources make it possible for the Trust to assist women-led organizations with grants and skills development. For more information, contact the Trust on 061-4690479 .

Edwards bemoans poor investigative work by police, absence at rapid-response-meetings

Karen@spectermarketing.co.za (Karen Specter ) — Sat, 25 May 2024 15:26:17 GMT

Beds, meals, employment, trauma training…Julies never turns a blind eye

A bed and a meal for 100 homeless kids every day, a safe space for abused women and hope for young people seeking employment…Esmé Julies has been a tireless advocate for these homeless people for the past 14 years.

And she is not about to abdicate her work, despite the fact that she has a meagre income.

She also empowers so many toddlers and teenagers with anti-bullying life skills that she sourced from the women-led organization 1000 Women Trust. And she regularly assists women subjected to gender-based violence, with trauma training counselling that was provided by a mentor, Tina Thiart, director of 1000 Women Trust.

Julies has overcome immense adversity, yet she is constantly opening her home in Kalkfontein to homeless and hurting children.

“i drew inspiration for my work from my mother in Kleinvlei, Eersterivier, who often fed homeless strangers,” says Julies.

“And in my own home in Kalkfontein and in Serepta, I have continued the work of feeding strangers, and caring for homeless people, including the most vulnerable of these people who are abandoned children and young women who have nowhere else to go.

“Instead of turning people away, I have sourced planks of wood and used it to construct separate rooms in which I now accommodate 30 people,” she adds.

In addition to this, Julies buys food and cooks for a hundred people every day out of her own pocket.

Addressing the multiple factors that lead to a life on the streets, Julies also assists children with their homework, prepares unemployed youth in their search for a job, gives anti-bullying classes to all the children and offers trauma counselling to abused women.

“Sometimes all someone needs to get back on their feet is to know that someone cares,” she says.

“My work started in 2010 when we took in a Zimbabwean woman who was previously raped,” she said. “The work grew over time.”

“Right now I am caring for a little girl of nine who were raped by several older boys,” she says.

Julies not only opens her home as director of the NGO Women rebuilding broken hearts.

Every day, I share the anti-bullying-toolkit of 1000 Women Trust with several children at my home – sometimes close to 100 of them.

“It has worked, as some of the former bullies are now working for me,” says Julies.

“I also share 1000 Women Trust’s trauma training material not only with women in Kalkfontein, but also at two venues in Delft and do it very often,” she adds.

Julies suffered severe physical, emotional and financial abuse from her husband, who also had a relationship with another woman.

“I left the home, went to the police and eventually won back my house in court. Today, I inspire other women who were also subjected to gender-based violence.

“My message to other women who suffer through gender-based violence is: leave the house and go to a safe space.

“And my message to children who are being bullied is to tell your parents and the school. Don’t be silent. Because bullies want to take control of you. And as parent, make sure you have access to your children’s social media, so they don’t become silent about bullying and don’t share it with you,” she says.

Julies is doing her incredible and life-changing work while being a freelance cleaning service agent. She often employs women to assist her with this cleaning service wherever she is needed. Her cleaning service is called Esme’s Projects. She can be contacted on 068-2424746.

1000 Women Trust is a South African women-led organization dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For over two decades, 1000 Women Trust has been empowering community-based organizations nationwide, advocating for change and resilience.

For more information about 1000 Women Trust, visit the website on www.1000women.co.za or send an email to info@1000women.co.za

Beds, meals, employment, trauma training…Julies never turns a blind eye

Sat, 25 May 2024 15:24:14 GMT