Hands of Hope

In a world where the media often dehumanizes survivors of gender-based violence by blurring their faces and altering their voices, the "Hands of Hope" campaign seeks to change the narrative. This campaign, launched by the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in the Cape Flats of South Africa, aims to uplift and honor the unique aspects of each survivor's story while ensuring their safety and anonymity.

The Saartjie Baartman Centre, a one-stop center for women and children who are survivors of abuse, has been a beacon of hope and support in the Cape Flats, an area plagued by high rates of violence and poverty [1]. The centre's mission is to provide a safe haven and comprehensive support services to help survivors rebuild their lives.

The "Hands of Hope" campaign is a year-long initiative that will feature ten powerful short documentaries, each highlighting the resilience and strength of the survivors at the centre. By focusing on their stories and experiences, the campaign aims to humanize and empower these individuals, challenging the often harmful and reductive portrayals of survivors in the media [2].

This first video is a testament to the courage and determination of the women and children at the Saartjie Baartman Centre. Through their voices and stories, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, understanding, and support in the fight against gender-based violence. The "Hands of Hope" campaign is not just a series of videos; it is a call to action for a more empathetic and just world.

Sources:
[1] The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children
[2] Gavin, S. M., & Kruis, N. E. (2022). The Influence of Media Violence on Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: An Examination of Inmates' Domestic Violence Convictions and Self-Reported Perpetration. Gender issues, 39(2), 177–197. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-021-09284-5