What a grim Women’s Month it’s been, marred once again by gender-based violence.
Let’s face it, every month is a horrible month for females in South Africa, the barrage of horrific reports of attacks is relentless and demoralising.
What at least makes August bearable is that communities make a point of celebrating and honouring the women in our lives.
We make an effort to pamper our mothers, sisters and daughters.
This year, however, was different.
With the pandemic and lockdown restricting social gatherings, we were not able to observe Women’s Month like we normally do.
There were no mass events, parties or marches.
The Daily Voice had planned another stunning Diamonds and Divas event for our ladies, but that too had to be scrapped.
Instead, all we, as journalists, could do was report on our women.
We’ve told some inspiring stories of women, like Abygail Human.
Pregnant at 18, the teen mom never gave up on her dream of becoming an actress and model and is reaching for the stars.
The ouens have also come to the party. Top blokes like Wonke Mapeyi and Thulani Sam donated about 400 packs of sanitary pads to schools in Nyanga and Gugulethu this week.
But sadly, the bad news has overshadowed the good – by far.
This week, in particular, we uncovered some of the most heinous crimes against our women.
The unidentified body of a young woman was found dumped in a wheelie bin in Schaapkraal on Tuesday.
This followed the horrific news of the discovery of a decapitated female in bushes in Strandfontein.
The decomposing corpse was believed to be that of Patricia Williams, 40, who had been missing for nearly a month.
Rounding off a truly sickening week was the story of kerk vrou Philiswa Ncithi, who was shot dead at an open-air church in Tambo Village.
It would be remiss to neglect to mention the murder of Nomvuzo Atoli, 22, in Philippi.
The already devastated community found the young woman’s body just metres from where raped and murdered Amahle Quku, 17, was discovered two months earlier.
There were more victims of violence, too many to mention and mourn – in a month when we ought to be honouring and celebrating them, and not burying them.
As this miserable month draws to a close, Munier would like to remind President Cyril Ramaphosa of a promise he made in Parliament on 18 September last year.
“We affirm our position that the state should oppose bail for
suspects charged with rape and murder of women and children.
“Those who are found guilty should not be eligible for parole.
“A life sentence must mean just that – life in prison.”