She’s strong and stands tall but also gentle, loving and compassionate. - Basetsane Kumalo

To my son – don’t let anyone take you for granted. Always hold your head up high. Never stop believing in yourself.

GBV is a huge issue on our continent and in a world where patriarchal power structures still dominate. Male leadership is still seen as the norm, and men hold the majority of power. Patriarchy is a social and political system that treats men as superior to women – where women cannot protect their bodies, meet their basic needs, participate fully in society.

I think it starts with telling them they don’t have to change the way they look to be acceptable or beautiful. Young girls don’t have to have straight hair in order to look “professional”.