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Light Up to Speak Out candle lighting ceremony

The Avon Light Up to Speak Out candle lighting ceremony was launched during 16 days of Activism in 2011 to create massive awareness of the issue of violence against women in South Africa. Statistics paint a horrific picture of the situation; 1 in every 4 women is in an abusive relationship and a woman is killed every 8 hours by her male intimate partner.  

The Avon Light Up to Speak Out candle lighting ceremony has become an annual event commemorating all women who’ve faced physical and sexual abuse in the country while sending out the clear message that violence against women cannot be tolerated. It is held in conjunction with People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) an organization that has actively promoted gender equality with an emphasis on supporting women overcome abusive relationships and realise their full potential. All funds raised from ticket sales of the event go directly to relevant NGOs.

The primary aim of the event is to mobilise the community to stand united and act firmly to root out gender based violence in our society. This encompasses educating women but more specifically men around the issue with a view to changing attitudes and ultimately behaviours. Therefore this event is aimed at all members of the community.

This year the Avon Light Up to Speak Out candle lighting ceremony was held at the Jack Botes in Polokwane on Saturday, 13 May 2017 between 12h00 and 16h00. A key aspect of the Avon Light Up to Speak Out candle lighting ceremony is the lighting of candles by participants as an illustration of solidarity but more importantly as a light of hope for victims of abuse.

PREVIOUS CAMPAIGNS

STAND UP AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Select a year to view previous campaigns:

2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016

Violence knows no colour

SPEAK OUT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

GALLERY

SOME CAPTURED MOMENTS

Lighting candles for victims of abuse across South Africa

Rosie Motene with independent Avon Sales Leader and Gender based violence survivor, Colleen Hughes

T-shirt signed by some of South Africa’s top celebrities, including Pabi Moloi, Bonang, Pearl Thusi and Hugh Masekela was auctioned off for over R3000 in 2011

A poet excites the audience with a recital on the value of a woman in modern society

THE STATISTICS

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA