Rape survivor encourages others
In light of Women's Day on August 9, Rose Maja (52) from iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre shared her life story.
Born in Limpopo, Maja moved to Johannesburg in 1992.
Maja said she was raped by her stepfather at the age of 12. Then, 12 years after that, she was raped again by six men in front of her partner and her then six-month-old son.
“I was very angry and was always fighting with men,” she said.
According to Maja she was in and out of prison several times for being involved in violent acts against men.
Maja then found herself in hospital due to being in an abusive relationship.
“Doctors told me I would never walk again, but I thank God, I am walking again,” she said.
Leaning towards her faith, the rape survivor knew she would get through it all.
“He will always come to your rescue,” Maja said.
In January 2006, the 52-year-old volunteered to help out at the iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre in Western Extension.
This is where she found healing and her calling.
She is now the public relations officer at the centre.
“Women must talk. They must never keep quiet when it comes to abuse, whether it is physical or emotional,” she said.
“Nowadays we are able to talk about everything whereas in the past, we couldn’t talk about rape or abuse.”
The Benoni resident would like to encourage young women never to give up on their dreams.
Maja said women need to learn from everything they go through and forgive themselves.
“Be who you want to be,” she said.
She recalls how her grandmother used to laugh at her when she told her that she would be on television.
“I’m proud of who I am because now I work with people in the radio and television industry,” she said.
Also read:
#knowyourbenoni – The brains behind a popular Benoni landmark
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