'We are here; we have survived’
Thirty women who have endured abuse as well as the counsellors who have helped them were treated to a special day by the Tokai Lions Club on Women’s Day last Friday.
The day of pampering for the victim-support staff from the Steenberg and Muizenberg police stations and the women they have helped was held at the Lions club house in Tokai.
“They are taking care of everyone, but who's taking care of them? This is a day where they don't have to do anything; we can honour and spoil them,” said Tokai Lions Club president Chris Flanagan.
The club organised lunch with live entertainment for the women as well as hand massages with aromatherapists. The women also received gift bags and care packages.
Guest speaker Monique van Vuuren, an activist and founder of South African Vegan People of Colour, recited poetry and told the women: “We are here; we have survived.”
Speaking to the Bulletin, she said the weight of keeping her own personal experience of abuse a secret had inspired her to write about it.
She said that many activists experienced a militancy in fighting for women’s freedom. “But since becoming a mother, it's brought to surface a softness in me and a wanting to connect with ancient knowledge, wisdom and the ancient rhythm of connection that is linked to our ancestral roots.”
Doing an introductory UCT course on the indigenous Khoekhoegowab language in 2021 had opened a new sphere of healing for her, she said.
“There is softness in knowing where you come from and knowing your roots. Today, after taking time connecting with my roots, I can come forward (in my activism) with new light and new energy and bring forward the softness of continuous healing. And my healing is connected to collective healing.
“My thinking is that if we tap into the knowledge within and the power within that will help us to pull the bridges over the gaps where the systems continue to fail us.”
Bev Cerff, a volunteer victim-support counsellor from Steenberg police station, said it was not often that women had a chance to celebrate themselves.
“Sadly, not even their children make a fuss about their parents who do so much for them. I specifically re-invited a woman who came with us last year. Last year, they were asked, ‘What makes you happy? What makes you smile?’ And when the mic came to her, she broke down crying because she was going through something traumatic. But now, a year later, we've journeyed with her. She's grown, the case is behind her back. So we do our best.
“There are a lot of challenges that we face in the community. And we don't want to speak up for fear of victimisation and all sorts of things, but I want women to know that there are safe places that they can go to.”
She encouraged women who needed help to approach support organisations in their area including the victim-support staff at their nearest police station.
