At the Golden Globes this year, the elite of Hollywood arrived on the red carpet dressed in black.
It was not a fashion statement, but a collective stand against the sexual exploitation and harassment of women within the film industry.
This ‘statement’ was one of solidarity in the wake of dozens of women accusing Harvey Weinstein, an American film producer and executive who has achieved international fame, of sexual abuse over a period of at least 30 years.
More than 90 women in the film industry have subsequently accused Weinstein of such acts, which the producer has denied. He has said he is not guilty of “any non-consensual sex”.
Since then, the Time’s Up and the #MeToo movements have gained significant momentum in a stand of solidarity against harassment. Remember the Oprah Winfrey speech at the Golden Globes?
Acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a feminist figurehead in Africa, has also spoken out, saying she hopes the great global reckoning with sexual harassment is not “a passing fad”.
This Nigerian author has, over the years, tirelessly campaigned against gender inequality
Then you find the sordid tale in Russian where a couple is accused of paedophilia after turning their child into a “sex slave”.
Fast forward to 2018, and the trial of the former USA national gymnastic’s doctor has reached its conclusion.
Shockingly, the doctor is said to have abused at least 265 women and girls.
During the highly emotional trial, the former doctor had to face his accusers. At least 65 of the victims spoke out over several days against the disgraced doctor who molested his patients for two decades under the guise of ‘medical treatment’.
The accounts of abuse suffered by the young women and girls have had profound repercussions for the US sporting world with resignations, retirements and new investigations being announced at a rapid pace.
What is happening in Africa, Hollywood and Russia again highlights the serious issue of the exploitation of women which is not a rare sight like the latest blue moon craze is.
Back home, the Reiger Park community has been left in shock following the accusations against the former school principal who was allegedly caught on video having sex with a pupil.
There have been numerous other accusations, with some even describing the principal as a notorious womaniser. The department of education is now investigating the matter, and even talks of criminal charges being laid.
In time, the truth of the matter will emerge because there is also an investigation underway to look into the authenticity of the videos that have not only emerged but have been shamefully splashed around on social media.
The global harassment of women remains a stark reminder that we live in a time and in cultures where women are still treated as an object, as a prey and as a victim.
Every year, this country celebrates the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.
Yet, despite an increase in awareness, women are still being subjected to brutal rape, domestic violence, emotional abuse and physical assault.
Surely we have to ask the following questions: When will this all end, and when will the time of constant harassment and exploitation be up?
Breaking the silence remains so important, albeit at home, at school or at work. Only then, will the exploits of darkness be cast into the light and the captives of depravity truly be set free.
