Another Friday and I am dressed once more in Black.
To mourn the thousands of women, victims of Femicide attacks.
Sandton was quieter but not shutdown, as we marched to the JSE,
Thousands of outraged women with a purpose just like me.
I marched with my Tribe, the fellow citizens of Gauteng,
Diverse people taking a stand against atrocities caused by psychopathic men.
Today reminded me of the women in 1956 who marched in protest,
Women from different races united to represent the oppressed.
Senzeni na? (What have we done?) we chanted at the top of our voice,
For all the women whose rights are violated and have no choice.
I sense the camaraderie, the strength, the determination in the people by my side.
In memory of all the women who were assaulted, abducted, raped and have died.
We need to work together to change the narrative of women in this broken society.
To create a world where little girls can live unafraid should be everyone’s priority.
Men, please teach your sons to respect women through your own behaviour,
Do this because it is a moral imperative not because you are doing us a favour.
We as women are not being “unnecessarily emotional or overwrought,”
A democracy that protects all was the purpose of the struggle that was fought.
Men, When you see inappropriate behaviour towards women and you fail to act,
You become complicit in your silence and that is a fact.
The latest South African crime statistics highlights the gravity of the situation,
69,8% of sexual offences committed against women, Is this our proudest moment as the Rainbow nation.
Ashnie Muthusamy ©
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