Women make voices heard at museum

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Women attending the Bartolomeu Dias Museum's event in celebration of National Women's Day were reminded that, according to Psalm 139, they are fearfully and wonderfully made. This provided further affirmation of why they should take a firm stand against any form of abuse in society.

Guest speakers who shared inspiring words and gave much food for thought included Mossel Bay's Thusong centre manager Nomboniso Jika, Dana Bay author Janine Haun and Michelle Benjamin, full-time humanitarian from George, also a member of the museum's management committee. The audience were a colourful collection of women - mostly seniors who have lived life to its fullest, but also young mothers, many with small children who were a reminder to those present of the crucial role women play as the keystone of emotionally healthy families.

Author Janine Haun, as a child the victim of horrendous sexual abuse that triggered a life of substance abuse, shared her harrowing story. Haun miraculously survived cirrhosis of the liver and now shares a message of hope, healing and restoration. She is also a student in narrative therapy as part of her quest to help those suffering after abuse.

Michelle Benjamin listed four cases in which young, intelligent, beautiful South African women's lives were cut short due to horrific crimes against them, and explained why it is imperative that women don't look away from the wrongs in society, especially in terms of gender-based violence. She implored the women present to expose these wrongs.

"Tell someone, make your voice heard. Make a noise about the injustice committed through violence, because in doing so, maybe we will in our lifetime see a decrease in specifically gender-based violence," she said.

She commended the manager of the museum, Mbulelo Mrubata, for hosting this kind of event where critical issues eating away at the South African society can be openly discussed.

Museum scientist Amanda Human, former chair of the Ithembalethu Old Age club, Johanna Cupido, museum manager Mbulelo Mrubata and visual educator Estelle McIlrath shared a moment after the celebrations.The manager of the Bartolomeu Dias Museum, Mbulelo Mrubata, was commended for hosting such a powerful Woman's Day event. With him are some of the speakers, Janine Haun, Nomboniso Jika, Millicent Benjamin and Marcia Holm.