Royal princesses from all over the country have joined the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide by raising awareness about the scourge.
The royals formed the SA Princess Network last month to be a collective voice speaking out against abuse of any kind.
Princess Stella Sigcau II of the Mpondo kingdom said they felt their message would resonate when they stood as one.
We cannot underplay the role of awareness and workshops in fighting the scourge
“We cannot underplay the role of awareness and workshops in fighting the scourge,” Sigcau said.
Wednesday marked the first day of this year's 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
“Gender-based violence and femicide in our country is bad. The rise in reported cases during the lockdown period is shocking. It shows there is something wrong with our society that needs to be investigated and changed,” Sigcau said.
She said the change should start at home with how children are raised.
“We need to promote a culture of respect in our societies. We are committed to this cause, to play our part in the fight. We do not want to just create awareness, but to empower women too,” she said.
Other princesses in the network include NomaXhosa Jongilanga of AmaRharhabe, Gabo Moroka from the Free State and Zodwa Mahlangu from Mpumalanga.
Sigcau has been an activist since 2006, empowering women and facilitating workshops on child and women abuse and anti-child trafficking and anti-pornography campaigns. She has also overseen sanitary towel drives in her area.
As part of their 16 days campaign, the princesses will post videos on social media platforms to raise awareness.
“We are women and we are affected by what is happening. We cannot keep quiet. We see what is happening in our country. Cases of abuse are increasing rapidly,” Sigcau said.
“This is a global problem and different stakeholders need to work together in this fight. We need to create as much awareness as possible and assist those affected.”
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