Sisters with Blisters walk raises R680,000
More than 9,000 people recently flooded the streets of Kyalami near Johannesburg in a firm protest against the abuse of South African women and children at the 1st for Women and Jacaranda FM Sisters with Blisters walk.
Over R680,000 was raised on the day for the two beneficiary organisations, Women and Men Against Child Abuse and the Sonke Gender Justice Network. The Sonke Gender Justice Network will use the funds to further create the change necessary for men, women, and children to enjoy healthy and happy relationships that contribute to the development of fair and democratic societies. Women and Men Against Child Abuse aims to continue raising awareness by breaking the silence surrounding the sexual abuse of children.
Support from celebrities
The event was also supported by celebs like The Parlotones, Willem Botha, MoniQue, Charlize Berg, Graeme Watkins, Heinz Winkler, and Kevin Leo who showed their solidarity with the cause which marks the official start of the 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.
"Sisters with Blisters is what happens when the essence of ubuntu puts its foot down girl-power style," says Zelda la Grange, patron of the 1st for Women Insurance Trust. "It is an honour and a privilege to be involved in such a phenomenal movement - one that states that we, as South Africans, will not tolerate abuse in any shape or form."
Connecting communities
Jacaranda FM general manager, Kevin Fine praised the success of this year's event. "For the first time in the walk's eight-year history, we've exceeded the 9 000 walkers mark. More and more South Africans are showing their contempt, not just vocally and on social media but by physically raising funds to assist those affected. We are proud as a station to play a role in galvanising and connecting communities; raising funds and awareness, not only for the two beneficiary organisations, but for the greater community at large."
Robyn Farrell, executive head of 1st for Women Insurance agreed. "Over the past eight years we have seen Sisters with Blisters go from strength to strength. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for stepping out, speaking out and making their voices heard. Woman and child abuse is everybody's concern - it's an issue that while not abating in occurrence, is increasing in awareness. Those who participated in Sisters with Blisters have made it clear that we will not sit by and watch the women and children of South Africa continue to be abused. We are making a positive, practical difference."
