Wits University held a silent protest in solidarity with survivors of rape and sexual violence.
Students and volunteers gathered at the Braamfontein East campus on 19 August to mark the university’s third annual silent protest march since its inception by Rhodes University eight years ago.
One of the key note speakers, Kelly Gillespie who is a senior lecturer in the department of Anthropology, encouraged individuals to build and educate people about sexual abuse.
“We have to talk about sex, we have to debate it, and we have to reconfigure the walls of our struggle,” said Gillespie.
She added, “Clearly in this country, one of the major [forms of]violence that we actually face every day is sexual violence. And it often goes hidden and unspoken and it is extremely important that we start talking about it.” Gillespie said.
Actress and poet Lebogang Mashile also encouraged activists to speak out.
“As we are marching, that was the silence of our families and the silence of the justice system,” Mashile said.
She concluded by saying, “We need to push the boundaries of society, however small or big – just by your being here means that you are making people brave and just by your being here means you are making a difference.”
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