Event

Proceedings

The event commenced with a welcome by the Executive Director of REACH, Joanie Fredericks, followed by a presentation by the Master of Ceremonies, CBV Zama Simani from Mbekweni. This was then followed by Joanie's key note speech which focussed on some of the concerning findings of REACH's CBV'S during their door-to-door campaigns. The programme was further filled up by a presentation by REACH's trainer Nanette Flemming on the changing the rivers flow project; speeches by REACH partners and CBV's during the project (Gertie Cupido, CBV and Chairperson of Avondale Community Development; Zama Simani, Mbekweni CBV; and CBV representatives, Taryn Meisenheimer and Audrey staff representative from the Department of Social Development) and a presentation by REACH's 2010 Face of REACH and CBV Sidney Johannes.

During the event REACH welcomed the audience to take its poll on whether South Africa needed a law on sexual harassment and it was fantastic to see that all guests agreed that having a law would provide better protection to women who are being harassed (the results will be added to the poll on our website). Another special moment was when all guests were asked to light candles that were provided at each table. Blue candles symbolized the protection of children; red for HIV and AIDS awareness as well as drug awareness; white for the 16 days of activism on no violence against women & children and black for the remembrance of victims and survivors of violence. Once all the candles were lit a minute of silence was held for all the victims and survivors of violence. The event ended with guests being encouraged to make their pledges regarding violence against women and children (please refer to pledges tab for more information).

Some fun was also had during the event with entertainment by some of the Department of Social Development's youth dance group and performances (songs and poems) by well known Blaq Pearl. The event was a major success and we're glad we could end REACH's project and events activities for 2010 with such a bang!

pledges

Continued support to communities around the western cape in the fight for the end of all violence against women & children, including sexual harassment, sexual violence and any other form of violence

If I hear of a woman being beaten by her husband I will make a difference in her life using the information that she learnt from REACH

I commit myself as a CBV that I won’t rest until her community is safe from abuse and harassment

I will be available to my community – two weeks ago a girl was raped by 4 men and I went with her to the police – as children of god we need to reach our communities. We must help one another. Get involved in the community! People need you.

I want to make a difference – where I live people are high and mighty and don’t care about others. They’re not there for others. I am the only one in the community that goes out even if it is 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning. I go alone – I am a woman. I am not scared. I have a sjamboek – you must see how men run away when they see me. In my community there’s lots of rape and theft but if I come out then they’re hearts must beat.

A friend of mine has been working with REACH and he has told me about the work that REACH does, like the SAFAIDS dialogues, I couldn’t participate because I work. I pledge that I will visit the website and find out more. I will talk about REACH!

To open my door for each and every women that has been abused, child has been abused, all the forms of abuse that we get in our community, I will open my door to the victims.

We pledge not to fall victim to abuses

To ensure that REACH raises the funds which are necessary so that REACH can continue to provide the services that it is providing at this stage. It is difficult but we are trying, and REACH will continue to do the work that they are doing.

REACH's dream is getting contagious. We’re seeing a lot of organizations shutting down. My dream, along with Joanie, is to see REACH far from shut down but grown – able to reach more people and pull on more staff and make REACH more powerful.

I pledge to start with myself, my family, my community and my friends – practice what we preach!

I will continue to speak out – use my talents to do so.

REACH's commitment to the CBV’s is to assist wherever they can and find more support to CBV’s – try to help the CBV's to start their own community based organizations.

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Funder