Learners gathered to take a stand against femicide and gender-based violence.
Draped in all black, silhouette images of hands-on throats and thighs and placards in hand, the learners of De La Salle Holy Cross College High School made their position known. On 10 October the school hosted a special outdoor assembly to speak out against femicide and violence against women under the theme #StopsWithMe.
Organised by college director of culture Caitlyn Morris, she shared the value of the school supporting this motion. “It is important we have awareness of what is happening globally and how we can stop perpetuating that kind of behaviour within their own environments, mannerisms and behaviour.”
The assembly, which was fully under the control of students, saw a few of them being granted the opportunity to address their schoolmates on the matter. Girls spoke out on the horrors of slut-shaming while the boys reminded each other to hold themselves accountable for inappropriate behaviour and actions.
Morris said, “The aim of our assembly is to dismantle patriarchy, generalised labels, give awareness on holding each other accountable regardless of gender or sexuality.”
Such conversations had already been taking place around the schools’ campus and the school found it fitting to afford their learners the chance to express themselves.
The assembly also tied in with the schools’ ethos as Morris explained, “The catholic community encourages acceptance, love and kindness and gender-based violence clearly shows that there is a disconnect. We believe that this event will make students more empathetic as opposed to apathetic about such situations.”
The school hopes that the learners take these lessons with them and share them with those around them.
Related Article:
