CYNTHIA Dinalane is showing victims of gender-based violence (GBV) love.
The woman from Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni has opened up her own home to young children and abused women.
Under her non-profit organisation Tshegofatsa Rona Welfare, she houses, feeds, educates and provides healthcare from her own pocket to about 60 women and children within the Tembisa and Kempton Park areas.
Cynthia said since she started her organisation, she has helped more than 87 women regain their independence, work for themselves, have their own homes and be free from GBV.
“When women arrive at the welfare, we don’t only give them emotional support, we organise skills programmes which will help them to be able to get jobs. Some women who once stayed at our place are now working and their lives have been transformed,” she said.
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She said women and children who are facing abuse must seek help.
“You don’t have to keep quiet. We're here to help women and children who are abused. Go to the police station and report the matter. Women, you must know your rights,” said Cynthia.
She said some women stay in relationships and allow men to control their lives.
Cynthia urged women to stop buying love from their partners over their children.
“If a child tells you as the mother that she has been allegedly raped by your boyfriend or husband, please believe them," she said.
She urged the need for parents to foster open and trusting relationships with their children to ensure they can confide in them without fear or shame.
Cynthia said her wish is to get funding and build a place of safety in Ekurhuleni.
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Her great commitment to this cause earned her the Women Empowerment Award at the South African Heroes Award in September 2023, and she has been nominated for the Universal Heroes Awards in London next year.
A survivor (35) said Cynthia helped her after she was abused for two years.
“My boyfriend turned me into a punching bag. I then ran away to seek help at Cynthia’s place. She gave me support and today I’m working and living a better life after I left the toxic relationship. I'd like to urge women who are in abusive relationships to seek help before it’s too late,” she said.
