The fifth annual Jacaranda 94.2 Sisters with Blisters walk in association with 1st for Women, which encourages South Africans to take a unified stand against women and child abuse, took place at The Campus in Bryanston on November 27, 2010.
Over 5 000 women, men, children and dogs participated in this event putting a spotlight on the unacceptably high level of women and child abuse in this country. Sister with Blisters encourages people to walk in high heels and feel the pain of abuse, thereby taking a stand. However, many opted to arrive in more comfy footwear.
The proceeds of the walk will be donated to Women & Men Against Child Abuse and the Sonke Gender Justice Network.
Brutality against women and children is rampant in South Africa and continues, on a daily basis, unabated. As a South African - how does this make you feel? Ashamed, embarrassed, threatened, concerned, angry?
“The annual Jacaranda 94.2 Sisters With Blisters walk, in proud partnership with 1st for Women Insurance Brokers, remains one of the biggest highlights on our calendar,” says Alan Khan, CEO of Jacaranda 94.2.
“More than “just” sending a clear message that we stand firmly against the abuse of women and children, this event is also brings hope to victims – showing them that there is life after abuse and, with the heartfelt love and support of others, plenty of reasons to stand, and walk, proud!
The phenomenal support that this event has received over the years is uniquely heartening and, at the same time, extremely humbling. It is Jacaranda 94.2’s privilege to be involved with an event that, without a doubt, changes countless lives for good,” Khan continues.
“Violence against women and children not only affects them mentally, physically, psychologically and emotionally but it also has effects on their social well-being. These symptoms of abuse last a lifetime and have detrimental consequences for our society at large.
“It is our hope that South Africans will extend the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign to 365 days a year, and that our men and boys understand the positive role that they have to play in putting an end to this social tragedy,” concludes Robyn Farrell, MD of 1st for Women Insurance Brokers, a Company known to alleviate the plight of abused women through its charity the 1st for Women Insurance Trust.
Bidget Job and Sinéad Whitaker.
