Every day in South Africa at least 15 women are murdered and 117 women report rape cases to the police.
This according to Women for Change SA, a non-profit organisation advocating for the constitutional rights of women and children in the country.
This underscores the critical role organisations such as Rape Crisis plays in communities today.
The Observatory-based organisation has been providing services to survivors of rape and sexual violence for the past 49 years, with offices also based in Athlone and Khayelitsha.
Jameelah Ismail, Rape Crisis fundraising officer, said their services include education and awareness programmes through community-based workshops and mobilisation.
Also, legal advocacy by lobbying for legislative change and adequate survivor support services with the organisation’s Rape Survivors’ Justice Campaign (RSJC).
Ismail said such support is divided into three main programmes.
“The Road to Recovery focuses on survivors and their healing journey through our counselling services. Making Change includes education on consent, rape culture and the myths and stereotypes about rape as well as advocacy and RSJC.
“Road to Justice strives for better support services for survivors of rape, before engaging with the criminal-justice system and throughout the experience.”
But for Rape Crisis to sustain itself it requires ongoing donor support.
It is for this reason that the organisation has been the key beneficiary for the Grand Exhibition Burlesque Benefit.
This annual event, organised by The Rouge Revue, has cemented its place as one of Cape Town’s most unique fundraisers, showcasing the power of art, activism and entertainment.
It takes place this coming Saturday, 27 September, at The Star Theatre, District Six Homecoming Centre.
Tenille Lindeque, founder of the Burlesque Benefit, said this year marked the exhibition’s 10th anniversary.
“Over the past 10 years we have raised R255 000 for Rape Crisis. It is a showcase featuring some of Cape Town’s top burlesque dancers.”
Lindeque explained why Rape Crisis is the beneficiary
“They work with survivors who have to find autonomy over their bodies again, regain body confidence and burlesque is a tool to do all of those things.
“Burlesque is about women standing up and taking up space, expressing themselves in a way that makes us feel happy and comfortable and we feel it aligns well with supporting survivors of sexual violence.”
Lindeque said people can look forward to a burlesque-inspired market and performances.
A gender-based violence survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, said in a press statement: “As a victim and survivor of GBV I want to support this cause by performing at The Grand Exhibition. My attire, my body and my personality are mine alone. No means no. My body, my rules.”
Ismail said while progress has been made in the fight against sexual crimes Women for Change SA’s work is far from over.
“We are only able to keep growing and expanding our reach with the help of our supporters. We are opening a satellite office in Bellville due to the growing need in that community. We are so incredibly grateful Burlesque Benefit for their support over the years.”
She appealed to more people and businesses to get involved. Ismail called on survivors to seek help. “Through minimising secondary victimisation and improving conviction rates, we encourage more women and men to report rape. Our offices in and Observatory reflect the diverse demographics of the clients and communities we serve.”
. To support the organisation visit https://rapecrisis.org.za
