UNITY & STRENGTH

Though trials and tribulations may come to light, you can never keep down the spirit of a woman. These tenacious survivors from Sisters Incorporated are living proof of that!

- BY CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

Our country faces a significant challenge in addressing gender-based violence, with some of the highest rates of rape, femicide and domestic abuse documented globally.

Last year, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) released the results of the first-ever national Gender-Based Violence survey, revealing that more than 33% of South African women have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, while 9.8% have faced sexual violence. The prevalence of physical abuse was also found to be higher among women of colour, with about 1 in 4 women having been victims of emotional abuse in their lifetime.

With this in mind, Sisters Incorporated (a nonprofit organisation) takes a holistic approach to healing, offering more than just a roof over one's head; a safe haven. Their overall support system includes immediate refuge, counselling, skills training and specialised services such as homeschooling and a childcare facility. Their programme is designed to empower survivors, helping them to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually, then equipping them with the skills needed to reintegrate into society with confidence.

We had the honour of sitting down with three remarkable women whose stories are not just about survival, but about reclaiming power, rebuilding lives and inspiring others to find their strength.

MELLISA: MOTHER OF STRENGTH

Mellisa Faro, a 33-year-old mom of three daughters, always believed she was blessed, well brought-up and never saw herself going through such a dark time.

“I was always advised to make good choices in life. However, all that changed after I met my last born’s father,” she explains. “During our three-year relationship, which started out perfectly, things took a turn for the worst.” Melissa admits that her partner turned perpetrator unfortunately fell in with the wrong crowd, which led to drug use and infidelity.