Dear suicidal person, If you are reading this, it means you’re having doubts about suicide. So thank you. I may not know you or whether this will… Read more “If you’re thinking about suicide, read this first”
Strong, independent, educated – and abused
The most recent social media hashtag party invited all and sundry to #SaveMelania. … Yes, the new First Lady of the US. That Melania. Even the most… Read more “Strong, independent, educated – and abused”
What people don’t tell you about the aftermath of sexual trauma
There are many difficulties one goes through after a traumatic event. We hear all about these; the stages of grief, decisions of whether to tell family, friends,… Read more “What people don’t tell you about the aftermath of sexual trauma”
Remembering Khwezi: Her life was taken long before she died
Her name was Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo. She was lesbian. She was HIV positive. She was an activist. She accused Jacob Zuma of rape. She became known as Khwezi.… Read more “Remembering Khwezi: Her life was taken long before she died”
The dorm master and his ‘pets’
This is what happened to me in 1954-1955. The teacher must be long dead by now. It used to snow there most winters. It was austere in its control… Read more “The dorm master and his ‘pets’”
An open letter to: Brock Turner, Judge Aaron Persky and Brock’s victim
I was once like Brock Turner was. A student with great potential. And a swimmer. Even at the young age I was, I was elegant in the… Read more “An open letter to: Brock Turner, Judge Aaron Persky and Brock’s victim”
You have no right to my body, or my decisions on what to do with it
Throughout history, human beings have always felt the need to control other people. Whether by political or military rule or ideological indoctrination, people have and still do… Read more “You have no right to my body, or my decisions on what to do with it”
‘I still remember the way they smell’
I was raped three times by three different men. The first time, I was eight years old. I was raped by my neighbour. I remember that day… Read more “‘I still remember the way they smell’”
We need to change our attitude toward women, not just rape
One of the rapists in the brutal gang rape of a student in Delhi in 2012 has said the victim was to blame for the attack. “A… Read more “We need to change our attitude toward women, not just rape”
I’m not a rape victim; I’m a survivor
When it comes to rape and sexual assault, the world is no stranger to victim-blaming and victimising. But when the court cases are over and society has… Read more “I’m not a rape victim; I’m a survivor”