Young women empowered
KwaThema - Young women from around KwaThema were encouraged and motivated at a weekend meeting to follow their dreams and forgive their abusers.
They were participating in a Resurrect Foundation initiative, a Girls Forum meeting with the theme of Heal, Forgive and Let Go.
The founder of the Resurrect Foundation, Refiloe Macina, says that the forum was formed to empower young women in the area to reach their full potential.
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“I was worried about the number of girls, especially rape victims who were raped in the past or recently, who are dealing with the pain silently.
“They walk around with anger and blame themselves for what happened.
“Through the centre we want to tell them that they are not alone – we are here to listen and help them to deal with the pain.
“They must know that it is not their fault that they were raped,” she says.
Refiloe says that most of the rape victims feel that maybe because they were dressed in skimpy skirts or tops they invited their rapist, but this is not their fault.
“They must know that they are not victims but victors,“ she says, adding that too many rape and abuse victims commit suicide, because they blame themselves for what has happened.
“They must know cutting their lives short is not an option,” she says.
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“There are people in the forum who are trained to speak to them.”
She adds that their next meeting will be held on March 18 at Hlakuva Street, at the Silver Shack.
“If anyone needs more information about this they can get hold of me on 062 358 1476.”
