ToWo: a new project against violence on women in South Africa

The new Repubblic of South Africa constitution guarantees women's rights and protection. But in practice these ideas have not filtered down to rural areas at all. Indeed the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa has highlighted the plight of women in rural communities.

Often the victims of oppressive practices, malicious superstitions, violence and rape, women have been led to believe they deserve the abuse they are subjected to and are strongly encouraged to suffer their lot alone and in silence.

The project ToWo (Talking Out, Walking On) proposes to empower women to break the agonizing oath of silence, to become observers of their own situation, to talk out with clarity and courage, paving the way for others to do likewise. The aim is to give African women the opportunity to transcend their past trauma, thereby freeing and allowing themselves to become main characters of their own lives.

Women will be taught basic video skills in order to document their personal experiences. These short films will be formed into a dynamic oral-history archive.

Simultaneously the women will undergo a psychotherapeutic body-oriented method, which provides individuals and communities with effective tools for healing trauma.

The project is currently looking for fundings and people wanting to invest time and economic resources. In case you'd like to contact them, plaese write to: towogroup@gmail.com

See also: www.rwm.org.za