Local residents shine a spotlight on GBV with Durban walk
The trio were among hundreds of women country wide raising awareness and taking a stand against sexual assault and gender-based violence in South Africa.
THREE local residents, Anna Accolla, Denise Bouah and Chantel Molnar have walked 8 kilometres for 16 days to show support for rape survivor and activist, Leilani Kuter.
The trio were among hundreds of women country wide raising awareness and taking a stand against sexual assault and gender-based violence in South Africa. All of those participating in the walk, were also encouraged to wear yellow, explained Accolla.
“Leilani was raped at the age of 18 and left for dead by her attacker who was wearing yellow in Pretoria. She then decided to break her silence a number of years later and started a non-profit company ‘Yellow for Survivors’. The NPC helps provide victims of rape and gender-based abuse with resources and safe spaces to find support. I happened to spot her post on Facebook explaining her story and asked if my friends and I could join in solidarity with her walk. She was happy for us to do so and we happened to be the only three women in KZN joining her on her journey.
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“She walked 28km for 16 days and we decided to do 8km for the 16 days of September to show our support. We’ve walked along the Durban promenade and have had so many people stop and ask us what we are doing because of our yellow t-shirts. I think what Leilani went through was horrific and if we are able to shine a light on sexual assault and gender-based violence then I feel we have done something to help,” Accolla explained.
Fellow walker, Denise Bouah, said it was also important for men to educate themselves about the issue of sexual assault and GBV.
“We normally walk together so we felt we needed to do this for Leilani and other survivors out there. I think it’s important to raise education about GBV and men should take note of this because women are being raped and killed on a daily basis in this country. This is a vital issue that needs attention,” Bouah said.
To find out more or to support Leilani Kuter’s NPC, visit www.yellowforsurvivors.co.za.
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