Sunday solidarity walks (5 Oct)

Sunday Solidarity Walk with Saartjie Baartman

Today was this year's first October Sunday Solidarity Walk with Saartjie Baartman, part of our month-long Blocktober action against gender based violence (GBV). We walked in good spirits enjoying the beauty of the mountain and the joy of exercise.

Sunday Solidarity Walkers reach the Blockhouse. Taken from behind to protect the survivors of GBV in the group.

On our way up to the Blockhouse

·        The Saartjie Baartman Centre (SBC) for Women and Children, located in Manenberg Cape Town since 1999, manages a 24-hour crisis response pro­gramme, residential shelter / housing for abused women and children, psycho-social support including children’s counselling, a sub­stance abuse programme, accredited job-skills training and access to entrepreneurial opportunities.

·        Since 1999, SBC has supported over 270,000 women and child survivors of gender based violence. The Centre also reaches millions in its outreach and advocacy work.

·        One of the key challenges faced by women, when they return home, is to be financially independent.

·        The Saartjie Baartman Entrepreneurial Hub, supported by the Kolisi Foundation, shares POWER2YOU safety bags, designs bespoke beaded bracelets (sold via Black Betty, a South African based jewellery studio), and provides diverse Skills Training. Organisations that offer their clients job placements include the retail stores Spar and Woolworths.

·        Much more action is needed in these and other areas.  

·        Saartjie Baartman will be able to scale up entrepreneurial opportunities for women by employing a full time Entrepreneur Manager. 

Donate via Back-a-Buddy to help fund a full‑time Entrepreneur Manager at the Saartjie Baartman Centre (SBC) for GBV survivors and ancillary costs for the Blocktober CHIPS community gym.

Bella Italia

Thank you, Dankie, Enkosi to Bella Italia who sponsored our Sunday Blockhouse walkers with pizzas and pastas, after the walk! 

Bella Italia showing solidarity with survivors of GBV

Read other blogs in the series

October Walk Details in Cape Town

• Next walking day: 6 October 4.30pm.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2.5hrs, 7.5km
• Jeep Track Route: From Vredehoek (mountain end of Chelmsford Rd), to Blockhouse and back. Click this PIN for starting point.
• Click here to join future walks.  
• Record your walk, run, cycle or swim in support of Blocktober on Strava.