Gender-based violence: 'Don’t tell a woman to leave, HELP her leave!'
The TEARS Foundation is female-led and provides a 24-hour, free SMS services so that anyone with a phone can get the help they need.
Picture: Pixabay
Africa Melane speaks with Mara Glennie, Founder of the TEARS Foundation.
Listen to the interview in the audio below.
Today (8 March) is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the achievements of women but also acknowledge their struggles.
The TEARS Foundation exists to help survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), which is rife in South Africa.
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The TEARS Foundation is female-led and provides a 24-hour, free SMS service so that anyone with a phone can get the help they need. The 24-hour SMS service is accessible through the code 1347355# on any phone.
The NGO offers services such as linking GBV victims to their nearest shelter where they can get counselling or a referral for medical treatment.
In many cases of GBV, the perpetrator is the intimate partner of the victim, who may find it impossible to leave the situation, often due to financial dependence.
However, there are ways to help women find the strength to walk away, says Glennie.
“I do think that every woman should have a bit of money on hand, so if they need to catch an Uber or a plane, they could do it.”
- Mara Glennie, Founder - TEARS Foundation
Glennie says that everyone has a role to play in ending GBV, and this includes helping victims find the strength to leave.
“Don’t tell a woman to leave, help her leave.”
- Mara Glennie, Founder - TEARS Foundation
24-hour SMS service is accessible through the code 1347355# on any phone
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.