One In Nine

Hello friends!

I am currently in the thick of my Research Methods course and as nerdy as it sounds (though I doubt my nerdiness is even remotely shocking), I have recently realized that I am a super huge fan of qualitative research! In fact, I am considering introducing a qualitative research component into my thesis, and though I have not nailed down my topic, I will be sure to let you all know how my thesis proposal progresses.

I have also been trying to stay busy by involving myself on campus and in the community. Last week, I took part in the national One in Nine Campaign. Here is a little information about the campaign:

"The One In Nine Campaign was established in February 2006 at the start of the rape trial of Jacob Zuma (the recently elected president of South Africa), to ensure the expression of solidarity with the woman in that trial as well as other women who speak out about rape and sexual violence. The Medical Research Council (MRC) study on sexual violence (2005) indicated that only one out of every nine South African rape survivors report the attack to the police. This statistic prompted the name: “One In Nine”. Furthermore, statistics indicate that of the cases that do reach the courts, less than 5 % of the rapists are convicted. This highlights the serious need for reform of the institutional framework for responding to women who speak out. The Campaign aims to mobilise support for survivors of sexual violence; to educate and change attitudes about sexual violence and to monitor the criminal justice system and court processes in rape cases."

Throughout the week there were several events, protests, and seminars intended to educate and empower the public. The campaign culminated in a day-long protest where participants demonstrated their solidarity with rape survivors in various ways. Men wore purple shirts reading "Men In Solidarity", while several women who were survivors of sexual violence opted to courageously wear shirts reading "Rape Survivor". Other female participants wore shirts that proclaimed "Sexual Violence = Silence", and in conjunction with our attire we engaged in a silent protest and taped our mouths shut to depict the forced silence that survivors of sexual violence endure. The back of our shirt stated, "my silence affirms my solidarity with survivors silenced by rape and sexual violence."

There were over 400 participants in the protest, and though it was incredibly uplifting to see the amount of people willing to stand up for women's rights, the protest was a challenging experience. Shortly after being silenced at 7 AM, a man walking down the street stopped, looked directly at me, and said "silence equals consent". I just stood there, unable to react, as he nonchalantly walked away as if he were simply stating an acceptable fact. I felt shocked, irate, and broken, and though my mouth was taped shut, I couldn't fathom how to respond to a statement filled with such ignorance and hate. And I was not the only one to have such demeaning speech flung at me. Both the male and female participants were told by many that what we were doing was stupid and pointless, that rape wasn't that 'big of a deal', or that when rape did occur, it was somehow warranted by the woman's wardrobe, or the way she walked, or her flirtatious demeanor.

Last year, 55,000 rapes were reported in South Africa. In the United States, the National Institute of Justice reported that 1 out of every 6 women have been the victims of a completed or attempted rape. But these aren't just numbers, these figures represent the lives of women. So I say, do something about it. Insist that it stop. Yell from the rooftops that it is not acceptable for women to be violated, robbed of their dignity and sense of safety, and treated as if their bodies, minds, and spirits are insignificant objects to be abused.

Help end the war on women's bodies.






Much love,
B