The Herald’s plan for abused women
The Herald has launched its Handbags of Love Project for abused women. Here is everything you need to know and how to be involved.
If you ever wanted to help an abused woman or do something about women abuse, then this is your chance!
According to Clinton Botha, the Herald editor, “Women’s Month has come and gone, but who said it has to end? Who said the violence against women ends?
“More than 20 incidents of violent crimes against women ranging from murder and gang rape, to home invasion, robbery and abuse have been reported in Randfontein alone since the beginning of the year. We have therefore decided to launch a Handbags of Love Project aimed at reaching out to women who are victims of domestic abuse, and their children.
“The Riet Family Guidance Centre, a non-governmental welfare and educational organisation in Randfontein, which is dedicated to the promotion and protection of the rights of women and their dependent children, will be the beneficiary. They also deal with many daily referrals.”
Vinelle Madi, programme manager at the centre, pleaded, “We want to have 365 days against women and children abuse. This thought should be in the back of our minds at all times.”
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She added that violence against women and children is a harsh reality that remains shockingly prevalent.
“Referrals on the West Rand are mostly physical but, abuse is not just about ‘he’s hitting me’. You get many forms of abuse, including financial, verbal and emotional abuse. For example, the husband of one of the women at the centre is withholding finances, swearing at her and accusing her of things she’s not really doing.”
Vinelle added that they have helped many women over the years who have managed to get out of their abusive situations and now live happy, good lives with their children, but sadly others have not been so lucky.
“We had a woman in her late 20s/ early 30s with two children whose husband abused her. He was eventually arrested and she then went to live with her sister in Kagiso. Unbeknown to her, her husband got out on bail, found out where she lived, broke into the home and attacked her with a panga. She sadly died two months later, due to the trauma and injuries.”
Vinelle said they are concerned, and fear that violence against women is not going to end anytime soon.
“There’s this myth that women should obey their menfolk. The woman has to make sure the food is cooked, kids are ready and cleaning is done. In today’s world, many men refuse to accept that women can be independent. The Riet Family Guidance Centre, however, gives her the choice of saying, ‘I can leave him’ and ‘I don’t need to be dependent on him’.
“In the same breath, we want to thank the men who protect their wives and girlfriends. We know that not all men are abusers.”
The centre currently houses 37 women with their dependent children, all of whom are victims of the xenophobic violence that occurred on the R28 in 2009. They are aged between 25 and the mid-40s.
“They are coping. These women have no choice but to be strong, especially for their kids, but it’s not an easy thing to go through.”
With the centre’s women in mind and since the centre is an NGO and an NPO, the Herald has decided to jump in and assist, but we need the public’s help.
Our editor went on to say, “The project is simple – let’s give these women some comfort by giving them a handbag filled with basic necessities. All we need from the community is for them to drop off as many handbags (second-hand and preferably in a good condition) as they can at our office in Greenhills or to give us a ring and we will collect.”
Vinelle said the project will help the women at the centre a lot.
“We all know how precious daily necessities are. If they mean so much to us, you can imagine what they would mean to our residents.”
CLICK HERE TO VIEW BROCHURE OF THE CENTRE
Those serving on the Gauteng Management Committee and involved at the Riet Family Guidance Centre are:
• Paula Molefe (chairperson), and also the principal at FJ Wells Primary School
• Charles Flaendorp (vice-chairperson)
• Reginald Katide (treasurer)
• Bongani Mankewu (secretary)
• Vasanti Srineevassan (legal advisory member)
• Kimberly Motloung (member – medical doctor)
• Ivan Kortje (programme director and founding member)
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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