The Gateway Health Institute created a moving video showcasing 67 men speak out against gender-based violence using powerful poetry.
The Gateway Health Institute works to better health, nutrition and food security, and Human Rights with the use of technological innovations. The NGO is an award-winning institute for its initiatives with HIV positive mothers learning to breastfeed as well as its emergency transport system for pregnant women.
“Our Motto, ‘Your Health. Your Rights’ is core to what we want to achieve. We aim to have a positive impact on the health and rights of hard to reach and vulnerable populations through advocacy, community empowerment projects, knowledge management, research and innovative technology.”
They filmed a powerful video featuring 67 Joburg men, speaking out against gender-based violence. The poem was written by Dr Coenie Louw and read out by the 67 men. The video was part of their Mandela Day initiative but this issue is a daily one and important to share. If you are unable to watch the video below, you can read the poem below as well.
The men in the video were everyday men who were approached on the street and asked if they would like to read the poem. The fact that these men felt the poem in their core is so much more powerful.
The Silence we live in by Dr Coenie Louw.
We are told we are worth more than you
That your value lies only in cattle and lobola
And in having babies and
In the chores you do
We believe we can force
ourselves on you
You have no right to fight…
Or to resist
We call you names and play our games
And mock and taunt
the red stain on your skirt
You walk in shame and feel like dirt
I say you flirt and say you flaunt
And show your goods
for all to see
So why not then, also for me?
We don’t take your NO
I can blame you, and I can name you
A slut, a hoe
And I can shame you if you don’t toe
the line to be all mine
We don’t listen, we don’t take your NO
We watch you as you walk to school
We see you in an open veld
We stare at you from right next door
We lurk there while you sing and dance
While evil minds make evil plans
But I have news
There’s no excuse…
for this scourge of rape
and sex abuse
You don’t deserve the older men
Who see in you nothing but a moment when
Their money and their calling you honey
Will get them a one night stand
and feeling grand
But about the rest of your young life
Your daily strife
They do not care
They paid their fare
For them you’re just some bling to wear…
They’ve scored and walk around with swag
While they gloat and laugh and brag…
Do you not bleed when you’re cut
Do you not cringe when I call you slut
Do you not bruise when I hit you with a fist
Do you not cry when I kick you to the floor
Or slam your head against a door
Do you not blister when I burn you
We have news
There’s no excuse
for this scourge of rape
and sex abuse
No one can sell you to the highest bidder
You are not property
You cannot be sold
You are worth more
Than your weight in gold
I am not a man if I think I can
Throw you down and have my way
While others cheer and drink more beer
And scream and shout
You’re a real boy scout!
No man should stand by silently
While you are treated violently
Our women are worth more than this
They need respect
And open heart and open mind
Of men refusing to be blind …
Where is the dignity in all of us?
There is no truth
No bad excuse
There is no love in this abuse
Just harm and pain
It’s no one’s gain
When women all around us are raped and slain
Our duty is as clear as day
Men should not have feet of clay
Teachers can teach
And preachers can preach
But do we listen
Or do we just stare and quietly share
the guilt in silence
Do you they not bleed when cut
Do they not cringe when called a slut
Do they not bruise when hit with fist
Do they not cry when kicked to the floor
Or slammed against an open door
Do they not blister when they burn
Veil of shame…
What can we do?
You guys might ask
You can make a difference
It is not such a daunting task
Stand up
Speak out
There is more power
In handing her a flower
Than in this needless violence
And the deafening sound of silence
Watch the powerful video below.
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