I did not want to be a statistic

Every year posters go up, campaigns roll out, and we hear the same speech over and over again, but we still have women and children dying as a result of gender-based violence.

To every parent raising a child with a disability: You’re not behind. You’re not cursed. You’re not alone. You’re raising a masterpiece, one who might look different, sound different and move differently, but who who carries divine purpose in every breath.

Life after the suicide of a loved one is not something anyone can ever truly prepare for. It is not a straight line of healing, nor a simple process of moving on. Instead, it is a winding journey marked by questions, contradictions and constant reminders of what has been lost. 

In a world that can feel like it’s spiralling out of control, Hopeville reminds us that our actions still matter and small steps of bravery can make a real difference.

What role can faith leaders play in ending GBV? We need faith leaders to make a faith stance and a bold faith grounded declaration that their faith traditions, customs, practices and beliefs do not condone and allow gender-based violence.