In an inspiring display of purpose and passion, a group of third-year Public Relations students took a stand against the scourge of gender-based violence through a powerful campaign that raised awareness and funds for POWA.
Sandton, South Africa (10 September 2025) – Real change begins when young voices rise together in solidarity and hope. Playing their part to address the scourge that is gender based violence (GBV), third-year Public Relations Boston Media House students launched an interactive campaign: Shatter Norms: Hands Should Hold, Not Hurt.
As part of the initiative, which successfully raised R4,000 in support of People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), the students held a raffle, arranged awareness drives and awareness activities, created spaces for dialogue on the campus radio station and learnt many real-world lessons along the way.
The drive unfolded over four weeks and culminated in “POWA Day”, a vibrant and emotional event held on campus. Highlights of the day included a candle lighting ceremony to honour victims and survivors of GBV, a powerful poetry reading, and live performances that brought the campus together in support of the cause.
POWA CEO, Fatima Shaik, joined the event and gave an inspiring address that reminded students of their power to drive societal change.
“Young people hold the power to transform our future. By challenging harmful attitudes, speaking out, and educating themselves and others, they can stop gender-based violence before it begins. Prevention is always better than cure — and the voices of students are vital in building safer, more equal communities. Campaigns like this show that ending GBV starts with awareness, courage, and the collective action of today’s youth,” Fatima said.
Adding to the day’s impact, Boston Media House Student Counsellor, Thembelani Nyathi, also unpacked the hidden forms of GBV and dismantled common misconceptions, leaving students with a renewed sense of responsibility and hope.
Beyond raising R4,000, the Shatter Norms campaign allowed students to transform their classroom knowledge into tangible action and public advocacy.
“This campaign pushed us out of our comfort zones. It showed us that PR isn’t only about building brands and hosting events. It can also be a tool for real change. Raising funds and awareness for POWA proved that even as students, our voices matter and we can spark important conversations,” reflected PR3 students Itumeleng, Nonhlanhla and Nolo.
This sentiment was echoed by PR lecturer Claire Jackson-Bernardo, who said that the students proved that by working together and learning along the way, meaningful change is possible.
The campaign’s success was made possible by the generosity of sponsors whose contributions enabled fundraising and demonstrated the value of brands standing behind student-led causes.
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