Book seeks to heal those affected by femicide
HYDE PARK – Emotions were stirred up at the Femicide book launch as real-life storytellers relived their experiences.
Putting pain onto paper can be a difficult task to do and the emotions evoked at the Femicide book launch proved this. The book called Femicide; A family relives its pain by commissioner Angie Makwetla was launched at Exclusive Books in Hyde Park corner in the presence of many attendees including Sifiso Publishers who published the book.
Prominent businesswoman and publisher, Dr Judy Dlamini wrote in the foreword of the book, “The word femicide was first recorded in 1820 to 1830. It was first used in England to signify the killing of a woman.”
Makwetla added on to that and said society often seems to think it’s familiar with the word until a face is put to the word. “South Africa is a very violent society and because our children are brought up in violent homes, they grow up thinking violence is the way to solve problems. I researched a bit for the book but the rest of it is lived experience.”
Real-life storytellers, the children, sisters, mothers and friends of the victims in the book were present and each was given an opportunity to read their passage from the book. However, the exercise understandably stirred up emotions experienced back then when the storytellers lost their loved ones. These loved ones were all lost at the hands of the husbands who they trusted to warmly embrace them.
It took the commissioner many years to complete the book and she said, “It was very difficult writing this book. There are days when I read certain chapters of the book and I weep, but it has to be put out there in order for healing to take place. The children here are survivors and healing has to be passed on to the next generation.”
Veteran actress and activist, Rosie Motene said she commended Makwetla for taking a stand as it is often the older generation who tell young women to stay and persevere even in an abusive relationship or marriage.
Details: Exclusive Books www.exclusivebooks.co.za
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