“Wathinta umfazi, wathinta imbokotho” (you strike a woman, you strike a rock), those were the words proclaimed by activists who marched the streets of Grahamstown in solidarity with sexual abuse survivors on Friday 23 March.
“Wathinta umfazi, wathinta imbokotho” (you strike a woman, you strike a rock), those were the words proclaimed by activists who marched the streets of Grahamstown in solidarity with sexual abuse survivors on Friday 23 March.
The 6th annual Sexual Violence Protest saw over 1500 participants making an unyielding statement in purple T-shirts and black-taped mouths, drawing attention to the rising tide of sexual violence in our country.
Protesters came from all walks of life, including lecturers, spiritual leaders, students, pensioners, PhD candidates and supporters who travelled from around the country. “The protest was a resounding success, creating an environment where it became possible for women to talk about rape and for men to confront gender norms which make the objectification of women possible,” said Larissa Klazinga, Rhodes University Anti-Harassment Officer and activist.
In solidarity with those silenced by sexual abuse, some participants chose to be gagged in black tape. They were expected not to eat, drink and speak for most of the day. “It was intense, it’s not as easy as it seems, you are stuck with your thoughts, you feel oppressed, and you feel like you have no control,” said student protester, Sibusisiwe Tshabalala.
The ten hours of ‘silence’ ended at the Grahamstown Cathedral on High Street, where a three hour “Breaking the Silence reflection ceremony was held. Lit up with candles, the church was packed with students and community members.
The service was dedicated to those who wished to share their personal stories of survival, as well as those who wanted to share their experience of partaking in the campaign. “People who do not know each other at all, find themselves drawn together sharing smiles and high fives, hugging each other as they cried and shouted their defiance as one collective voice, unified in one belief,” said Klazinga.
The day-long protest certainly did not end on a silent note. After the ceremony, gathered outside the church, spirits were high again, as the Take Back the Night march saw both men and women activists clasping their fists in the air shouting “my vagina is my choice!”.
The streets were dotted with purple protesters who charged their way back to campus. Rallying hand-in-hand, clapping and chanting songs of liberation, protesters made it clear that “whatever one wears, wherever one goes, no means no!” “Everyone who participated in the true spirit of the protest is a true human rights defender,” said Klazinga.
