She dreams of what she is going to wear with a handsome date by her side making an entrance in a fancy car and walking on the red carpet like a celebrity.
This dream, however, was slightly different for St Dominic’s Kayce Reeby (18).
This young woman saw her matric dance on May 4 as the perfect platform to take a stand against women and child abuse.
Kayce, wearing a simple formal dress, made an unusual yet powerful entrance at the glamorous event.
She was accompanied by roaring engines of a local bikers club and three vehicles. Along with Kayce and her date, 10 men walked down the red carpet with her.
The men were wearing T-shirts against women and child abuse, their mouths covered with duck tape, holding up a four-metre banner stating “Break the silence against women and child abuse!”
The men faced the crowds and removed the duck tape, symbolising breaking the silence.
Kayce and her mother Angelique.
Although she is emphasising the rights of women and children, Kayce specifically wants men to wear the shirts and take the stand as “the message will be so much stronger if men stand against the cause”.
“This is the perfect platform to do good and to launch my campaign against women and child abuse.
“I did not want to make an entrance with a Ferrari and a princess dress,” said Kayce.
The struggle exists
Kayce comes from a loving home with parents and a brother that support her in all aspects of life.
Although she does not have first-hand experience with physical or emotional abuse, she is not blind to the reality of the struggle that women and children experience daily.
“Both my grandmothers are survivors of emotional and physical abuse,” said Kayce, who regularly volunteers at a local charity.
“In the end, women and children can survive and do not deserve any form of abuse.”
Kayce Reeby with the T-shirt stating “break the silence against abuse”.
As she attends an all girls school, Kayce has realised the importance of learning to depend on oneself.
“Women are survivors. God has placed certain abilities in women to stand strong.”
With the campaign against abuse, Kayce wants to spread the message #notinmyname.
Responsibility
Although there are many support groups, feminists, celebrities and organisations making it their mission to create awareness against abuse, the young Kayce acknowledges that she is just a ‘normal member of the community’.
“It remains, however, our responsibility to keep on reminding the community, especially the youth, that abuse against women and children needs to stop.”
“Kayce is so precious to us. We are proud that she is standing up for her beliefs,” said her mother Angelique.
Dante (15) sees his sister as an inspiration.
Her father Mark, who has first-hand experience with abuse, is also passionate about helping people.
“I am so proud of my daughter, she is making such a big difference.” said Mark.
Kayce plans to study behavioral science, physiology and sociology at NWU next year and is determined to make a positive difference by empowering people. – @sunelg
