After the disappearances, rapes and murders of numerous women and girls across South Africa during Women’s Month, Stellenbosch University (SU) women came together on Monday by using the platform of various WhatsApp groups named “Women of Stellies”, planning protests and gatherings as well as holding a Rooiplein vigil.
These WhatsApp groups were created for women to support each other in the streets of Stellenbosch and to bring about awareness on the current femicide issue. There are up to seven of these groups – and counting – available to all women of Stellenbosch to join in which you can send a message or drop your location in moments of stress and unsafety.
Some of the women and children that have gone missing, been raped or murdered this Women’s month PHOTO: Supplied via social media
Various protests and gatherings are being organised across the country with regards to the femicide however, the #People’sMovement in collaboration with the Equality Unit and Transformation Office posted information concerning a gathering in which SU students are invited to as transport can be arranged via this link.
“We will be going to UCT tomorrow in solidarity with students’ call for more action against gender-based violence, and for universities to uphold safety and security on campus. On Thursday, we will also work with #SUpport, the Mental Health Task Team, to send students to attend the protest outside parliament.”
Gathering against gender-based violence at UCT PHOTO: #People’sMovement and Equality Unit and Transformation Office
A vigil was attended widely by SU men and women on the Rooiplein on Monday evening as a tribute to Uyinene Mrwetyana and other women and girls who have lost their lives due to murder and have been raped this past Women’s month.
Rooiplein vigil at Stellenbosch University for Uyinene Mwretyana and various South African women and girls who have been murdered and rape this Women’s month PHOTO: @ntandomatini_ Twitter post
Honours journalism student, Lia Snijman, commented on the Rooiplein vigil via a Facebook post:
“I can already feel the atmosphere on campus changing, the exact same way that it did when Hannah was raped and killed, the exact same way when a fellow Harmonite was raped. The Whatsapp groups, the marches, the talks, the vigils and women looking extra tense and careful on campus. I just hope that this time there will be actual change.”
“We’re a country with no rainbow, only rain. And that rain is red and warm and bruised between her thighs.” POEM: Zoe Human
Here are a few tips on social media from various women across South Africa for women to stay safe during this time of dire stress:
- Perpetrator’s usually aim for women whose hair can easily be pulled, so refrain from keeping your hair in a ponytail.
- The elbow is the hardest and strongest point of your body. If attacked, use it at any moment given.
- Carry pepper spray (about R90 at Checkers), taser or pocket knife with you at all times.
- Download Emergency Response Solution apps such Namola. The click of a button alerts them and they immediately arrive for assistance.
- Turn on the “Let loved ones follow your trip” feature on your Uber app in order for them to follow your trip and see you arrive at your destination safely.
- Always be aware of what’s happening around you. Check cars parked close to you. If the situation in any way seems suspicious, rather go back into a nearby crowded area and ask a friend or campus security to walk with you.
- Once getting into your car, do not take your time and just sit. Immediately lock your doors and drive away. Predators could watching and waiting to catch you off-guard.
- Send your live location to loved ones or Whatsapp groups if you ever have a feeling of uncertainty or unsafety.
- If thrown into a car’s boot, kick out the back lights and stick your arm or leg out to alert others – this is known to save countless of lives.
- Avoid staircases. Take the elevators instead as staircases are known as the perfect spots for all sorts of crime
- Run, run, run.
Here are a few tips for men to keep women safe during this time of dire stress:
- Don’t be a predator.
UPDATE:
A statement by Senior Director of Student Affairs, Dr Choice Makhetha, has been released in which Makhetha stressed that SU is not exempt from these incidents of violence as the deaths of Robyn Pearce and Hannah Cornelius are still fresh in our minds.
“To the men in our communities, I want to urge you to step up. Not much is going to change if you don’t take responsibility for the current situation we face in our communities. This is not a fight that women should fight alone. The saying is true: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. So I am looking forward to see how the men in our university community are going to respond,” expressed Makhetha.
Makhetha also stressed the importance of safety precautions in Stellenbosch:
“Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that we live in a violent society with what seems to be only a few places that remain safe spaces for women. This is a societal ill, something deep in the psyche that needs to be corrected. For now, however, I don’t have a choice but to encourage you to take the same kind of safety precautions that you would take elsewhere in our country (and this is applicable to men too).”
Makhetha closed the statement by urging students to take care of themselves and each other. “Together we will fight against gender-based violence.”
If you need to move between campus buildings, from a building to your transport alone after dark (20:00–05:00) or notice anything suspicious on campus and in Stellenbosch, please contact SAPS Stellenbosch 021 809 5015 or Campus Security 021 808 2333 immediately.