VIDEO: Men, women and children unite against women and child abuse at Sisters with Blisters

The annual Sisters with Blisters walk saw thousands of people dressed up in colourful outfits walking 5km to raise money for Lawyers against Abuse and Women and Men Against Child Abuse.

The band keeps walkers entertained while lining up for the start, energy levels are high! @firstforwomen #SistersWithBlisters pic.twitter.com/L5TqLzypVz

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) March 10, 2018

Volunteers getting into the groove ahead of the #SistersWithBlisters walk @firstforwomen @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/Zw9sMfozuo

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) March 10, 2018

The walk which took place at St Stithians College on 10 March, raised more than R270 000 for the two organisations which work toward fighting women abuse in their communities. The walk is also dedicated to uplifting and empowering women.

Casey Rousseau, the marketing manager for 1st for Women, which has partnered with Sisters with Blisters for the past 12 years said, “We are for women, and in being for women, we also need to look at what is holding women back and women abuse is one of the things that is holding so many women back.”

Rousseau, who also took part in the walk, added that the atmosphere was incredible. “It’s amazing to see so many people who are involved. There are people who have signs saying why they are walking, there are ladies that they are walking for and some people are just here to raise awareness.”

The theme for this year’s #SisterWithBlisters walk was ‘together let’s #GiveAbuseTheBoot’. The theme aimed to highlight that people working together could help empower women and eradicate abuse against women.

Excited dogs also get to take part in #SistersWithBlisters this morning @Sandton_News @firstforwomen pic.twitter.com/8UrohO8IHT

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) March 10, 2018

Many walkers have chosen to coordinate their outfits for #SistersWithBlisters @firstforwomen @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/iwYXr6Cze4

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) March 10, 2018

The general manager of Jacaranda FM, Kevin Fine, said, “Each year we take part in this event, alongside 1st for Women in an effort to champion the upliftment of women and children.

“The Sisters with Blisters walk enables our listeners to voice their views to highlight the sobering effects women abuse has on all of us. Our efforts do not end here and Jacaranda FM will continue to support all women of South Africa to bring an end to women and child abuse.”

To date, the 1st for Women Foundation has raised R56 million and has helped more than 98 000 women who have been affected by abuse in some way.

Some of the first runners of #SistersWithBlisters have started to cross the finish line @Sandton_News @firstforwomen pic.twitter.com/tNZ1rC76KU

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) March 10, 2018

Details: Sisters with Blisters 011 234 7860.

Did you take part in the Sisters with Blisters walk? Share your experience on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.