With the theme “freedom” youth from all walks of life across the Western Cape gathered at the Wynberg Civic Centre for the 25th anniversary of the One Billion Rising V-day movement.
V-Day promotes self-love, mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Event coordinator Lucinda Evans, founder of the NPO Philisa Abafazi Bethu SA, said youth were simply not “free” or safe
“V-Day is celebrated across the globe and the official day is normally 14 February but this year I am focusing on the youth and youth empowerment.
Today is for young people to be free, for young people to feel safe and for young people just to be young and socialise with other young people.”
Part of the celebrations included the launch of a youth programme aimed at skills development.
“Today I have launched the One Billion Rising youth. We are going to work with the youth in a nine-month programme looking at skills development, GBV, bullying and also freedom.”
Siseko Jokazi, a junior councillor in the Cape Town Junior Council, said poverty and a lack of support systems played a role in the lives of young people.
“The reason I applied to be a member of the council is because I wanted to bring change within my community.
“Poverty plays a role in the lives of youth because it may result in learners dropping out of school, using illegal substances or ending up joining criminal activities.”
Ruby Lee Lukas, Miss Sovereign Western Cape, encouraged the youth to respect each other “no matter what.”
“I am a 27-year-old transgender identified woman of colour. I hail all the way from the Cape Flats in Heideveld and I stand with pride as a transgender person, not only that but as a proud mother to a beautiful three-year-old daughter.
“As a transgender woman, my experience in this country has been limitations. So much limitations not only as a woman of colour but as a trans woman.
“I want to say; please respect people. Be mindful of people’s worth because regardless of where people come from or what they identify as, we are called human beings and we should be respected as that.”
Meanwhile General Vince Beaton, police district commissioner, reminded the youth to use their voices to usher in positive change.
“Use your voice to say no. Speak out against GBV it doesn’t matter if it is your friend, teacher or uncle.
“Don’t be scared to speak up. And to all those victims, I take my hat out to you who are prepared to expose those perpetrators and prepared to go to court.
“And don’t forget victims has rights too.”
Youth groups who would like to get involved in the One Billion Rising programme are encouraged to contact Lucinda Evans 081 746 9889.
