Bryneven learners hold peaceful demonstration to protest violence against women
BRYANSTON – Learners from grades 1 to 7 lined up along their school's perimeter fence to protest gender-based violence.
Young learners from Bryneven Primary School gathered along their school’s perimeter to protest against gender-based violence.
Learners from grades 1 to 7 dressed in all black held up signs saying ‘Bryneven says no to violence against women’ on 18 September. The demonstration is one of many that have been held around the country to protest violence against women following numerous highly-publicised murders.
Philippa da Costa, a member of the school’s governing body, said that it’s important to teach the learners from a young age that violence is unacceptable. “They have to learn right now, at this age, that this is not okay. What we need to do in our society is start educating at a young age.”
She added that young children are sadly exposed to crime and violence around them and its important learn how to stop it. “I think it’s important to also carry on the conversation, there has been so much activism and we don’t want it to stop, we want to keep the conversation going.”
The young learners spent about an hour of the morning standing along the school perimeter facing their signs toward Ballyclare Drive and St Audley Road and chanting. Motorists passing by hooted and cheered in support of the children.
Many of the learners that spoke to the Sandton Chronicle said they were happy that they had the opportunity to speak out against violence against women. Alexia Sandu said that she hopes that this will inspire other people to speak out and have their voices heard.
Another learner, Thando Sibiya, said, “It’s not fair that women die every day, so I think that’s why its important for us, especially as a school, to do this.”
Thando added that while it is difficult to have discussions about crime in the country, she feels proud that she knows what is happening in the country and that she can have her voice heard.
Chioma Nwobodo concluded, “Women shouldn’t be afraid to go outside just because they’re wearing a skirt.”
Details: Bryneven Primary School 011 463 1453.
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