With the rise of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in South Africa, the Artscape Theatre has stepped up to create a platform for women to raise their voices and be heard in the creative space.
Leading up to Women's Day on August 9, Artscape launched their 17th Women's Humanity Festival on July 9, with a line-up of events to be held over the next few days, in a collaboration with Woman Zone.
Despite the gloomy Cape Town weather, women from all walks of life came out to celebrate the launch. Among them was Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux, who said: “Can we truly celebrate 30 years of democracy when so many women and children are still prevented from freely and fairly exercising their right to democracy, freedom, equality and above all, humanity?”
Le Roux called on all sectors of society – government, civil society, NGOs, law enforcers and South African citizens – to join the fight against GBV.
She added: “Women should be at the forefront of social change and be given the tools to be the change. As a woman living with a physical disability at the helm of one of Cape Town's iconic institutions, I am acutely aware of the many challenges still entrapping so many of my fellow female compatriots.
“Having been afforded the tools and ample human resources to execute the tasks at hand, I am compelled, in collaboration with my Artscape colleagues and trusted stakeholders and partners, to unreservedly continue the quest for equality, equity and humanity for all women, especially the most vulnerable who still bear the brunt of unprecedented levels of GBV on a daily basis, even as we approach the 29th Woman's Month of our 30-year-old democracy.
“We have to step up, walk the talk and change the unacceptably high tide of gender-based violence in our communities.”
Le Roux also shed light on the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill, signed in May by President Cyril Ramaphosa: “This bill is a bold step of government's intentions to work with civil society, local communities and other sectors to end GBV and femicide.
“The bill dictates the establishment of new Thuthuzela Care Centres, new Sexual Offences Courts and victim-friendly rooms at nearly all police stations across the country to strengthen the response of the criminal justice system to GBV.”
Through the festival's theme of “Step-Up for Change”, Artscape has urged organisations to join them in the host of events happening throughout the month.
The popular Women's Humanity Walk on August 9 will this year be small and symbolic. Invited guests will gather at the District Six Homecoming Centre and proceed in unity through the city to arrive at the steps of the Artscape piazza.
The public can also be part of a greater project in signing the #Step-Up for Change Pledge at the theatre during the month-long campaign.
The campaign also showcases a special production by theatre legend Basil Appollis, who pays tribute to the late Blanche la Guma, a former activist and nurse who fought for equal education for “non-white” nurses during apartheid.
The list of events planned include a gender-based violence installation by Carin Bester called She Had a Name 365, The Battered Housewives Club by Zubayr Charles, 1 000 Women Meeting against GBV and Femicide, Dance of the La Gumas by Sylvia Vollenhoven and Basil Appollis.
Professor Gertrude Fester will deliver the keynote speech at the annual Humanity Walk on National Women's Day.
A stellar drag show by ABFAB Drag also brings colour to the stage, together with The Knit and Natter knitting a dress for the Woman Zone's Wire Statue, and Voices in Unison at the Opera House.
Some of the events have entry fees while others are free.