Penultimate dedication walk for victims of gender-based violence held
Annual September 17 walk to be last as Yellow for Survivors shifts focus to prevention and treatment
One step at a time they march toward a better world for women.
Yellow for Survivors, spearheaded by the inspirational Leilani Kuter, held their latest dedication walk on June 4. The 28km walk was initially in honour of Hillary Gardee, the slain daughter of a politician, but the theme was expanded to include the broader spectrum of victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2021/08/19/leilani-walks-for-those-who-cant/
Starting at Bidon Bistro, the yellow-shirted convoy walked 14km to Makiti Wedding Venue before heading back again.
“She was only 28 when this happened and it is so senseless and sad, which is why we walked 28km. We then decided to dedicate the walk to every one on the Keep the Energy page,” said Leilani, referencing a Facebook page dedicated to highlighting incidents of GBV.
Leilani was the victim of a violent sexual assault almost 30 years ago and in 2019 she began what has become a storied journey of hope and fulfilment.
“Sometimes I wonder if I truly make a difference and it feels so good when I realise I do. I have listened to God, I have done what I was supposed to do and I hope and want to believe we have helped many people over these past three years,” said Leilani.
The sight of the yellow shirts streaming along main roads throughout Gauteng will soon be a thing of the past, however.
“I have realised I have reached full circle, meaning it is time to move forward. Our annual walk on September 17 will then be my last walk, and the end of my own 30-year journey,” she stated.
In 2022 and beyond, the non-profit company will be shifting their focus to the prevention and treatment of GBV by offering free self-defence classes and free counselling sessions.
Focusing on the positivity of the day’s message, Leilani wished to send a special thank you to Annari du Plessis from Purple Foundation in Vanderbijlpark for arranging her own 28km.
Additionally, she thanked Geoffrey from First for Women for escorting them in the Guardian Angels car, and Gerhard Botes for taking photos and videos. Funds are needed for the self-defence classes and counselling sessions, and should anyone need info on either or the final September 17 walk they can contact Leilani at leilani@yellowforsurvivors.co.za.
