Lentswe, Jouberton - Boitshepo Hopetown, a Miss North West Exclusive semi-finalist, is working on a GBV and Femicide campaign. According to her, gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa is more than just a crisis, it is as good as an ongoing pandemic that has no vaccine.
“We have marched. We have protested. We have shared our stories and yet the cycle does not end.
Almost every woman and child, at some point in their lives, comes to the realization that he/she has been a victim, whether it’s harassment, assault, or worse. That fact alone should shake us to our core.
“The numbers are horrifying and we cannot have more women and children become a statistic,” she said.
She said the problem should be solved from its root. “We know the cause of GBV, the men of South Africa. Now we need to solve the problem from its root, how they were raised. No man wakes up and decides to raise his hand, it is taught. As much as charity begins at home, so do the lessons on manners, respect and behaviour. Our boy children are taught certain things which stay with them for a lifetime. Some lessons taught at home contribute to how the women of South Africa are seen and treated. The term “boys will be boys” has created a great problem for South African women.
“It’s time we start raising a generation of boys and men who understand that strength does not equate to control and respect is not weakness.”
As a Miss North West Exclusive Semi-Finalist, she is using her voice to address a crisis that affects us all, gender-based violence and femicide. This is not just a women’s issue, it is a societal issue, and it requires urgent action.
“Take a stand. Speak out. Be the change and let’s combat the GBV crisis.”
