The First Step

Hey friends, I'm so, so sorry that I've been MIA for a while but I am back now. I've missed you! I hope you guys are keeping well and hanging in there. I can't believe we're already in September. This year has been moving way too fast. We've been downgraded to level 2 lockdown here in South Africa and while we're all transitioning back into our office life the cases of violence against women and children are still at a record high. The Daily Maverick reported that there was a massive increase in reported cases of gender-based violence during the hard lockdown, 87 000 to be precise. This created an opportunity for me to ask our women, via social media, about some of the self-defense items they carry with them when travelling or just going about their days. The results concluded that pepper spray is a very popular item. If you don't already have one or have no idea where to get one from have a look at Defcon Tactical  or Takealot . You can order online wi...

Hey friends, I've been a bit quiet lately. It's been quite an emotionally draining 3 weeks for the women in SA and throughout the world. How did we get back here? I am just so exhausted. I am so greatly affected by  Gender Based Violence in my country and around the world. Joanne Chukwueke called it the "shadow pandemic" in her article. I can't tell you the kind of anxiety this pandemic gives me. I'm thankful that I am able to work from home. Covid-19 has helped with my safety in terms of not traveling so often but for the many other women that still need to get out there and put food on the table for their families this world is not a safe space to walk through. Even living at home in times like this can be a very dangerous thing when you have an abusive partner. How do you stop a rape culture that has gone on for centuries? How do we create an environment where men and women can come out and seek help? An environment where they do the work ...