I’m Sibongiseni Sibanda, and fourteen years ago, an extraordinary woman named Mam’Khanyi gave me a second chance at life.
She offered me safety, gave me a place to call home, encouraged me to go to school, and ensured I had food every day while being surrounded by a loving family – all priceless treasures I never had before.
This is why I am an activist. I have watched Mam’Khanyi give so many girls like me the confidence that they too can be strong, independent women who contribute to society.
Mam’Khanyi's activism showed us that child trafficking and violence against women are preventable and that we can change a system that works against us.
But this is only possible when we band together to ensure that the rights of girls everywhere are defended and protected. You can start now by taking this challenge.
In my home country of South Africa, gender-based violence is regarded as a second pandemic while child trafficking, which affects children as young as 10, has been becoming more prevalent every year.
These are injustices Mam’Khanyi and her fearless warriors of caregivers fight against daily. For 22 years they have been upholding the rights and freedoms of women and girls. They have been fighting systems that rob children of their childhood and future. And they have inspired me to continue their legacy of activism.
We need your help. Join us over the next few days, and let’s help girls reclaim their freedom.
