How to Help: POWA campaign

Yesterday you might have noticed a bit of buzz on the social media networks regarding various celebrities suddenly announcing they were ‘single’ in their Facebook status. There was plenty of speculation about whether it was Facebook bug or a campaign or just that nobody wanted to be tied down for summer – and now finally the truth has been revealed!

Breaking up with your partner on Facebook takes just one click. You can go from ‘in a relationship’ to ‘single’ in a matter of seconds. However in the real world, for survivors of domestic violence, changing their ‘relationship status’ is not that simple. The fear of being alone, low self-esteem, cultural or religious beliefs, financial or legal matters and violent threats are just some of the issues that make leaving an abusive partner a difficult and often life-threatening process.

As you can see the “single” status changes were actually all in aid of a good cause – POWA – People opposing Women Abuse. Here is a short video all about the campaign featuring Roxy Burger, Tumi Morake and Sonia Booth.

Through outreach programmes, shelters, legal advice, counselling and training, POWA help women to break free from the cycle of violence and live safer, happier lives as independent, empowered individuals.

The ‘More Than a Click’ campaign aims to change perceptions, draw attention to the serious issue of domestic violence in our country and raise awareness around POWA and the work they do.

With your help, we hope to increase donations to POWA and ultimately to give more South African women the courage and support they need to change their relationship status for the better.

How to Help

Step 1: SMS ‘POWA’ to 38874 to donate R10.

Step 2: Change your relationship status on Facebook to ‘single’ for 24 hours.

Step 3: Download one of the POWA images below and use it as your Facebook cover photo.

Step 4: Encourage your friends to do the same.

Any donations are also welcome. These are the items that are always needed:

– Women’s clothing, make-up, shoes

– Children’s clothing, school uniforms

– Women’s work clothes (especially black skirts and white shirts)

– Running shoes and active wear (for self-defence classes)

– Books, specifically self-help books

And of course you can also donate your time and become a volunteer. POWA are always looking for people with HR, marketing or legal experience who are willing to assist.

To find out more about POWA visit their website: www.powa.co.za/more-than-a-click-campaign.html of phone their head office on 011 642 4345/6 if you would like to volunteer or donate items.

Kathryn Rossiter

Kathryn is a South African lifestyle blogger and mom of 2 who has been blogging daily for over 9 years! She writes about travel, health, beauty, fashion, decor and family... but not food (unless it's food she's eaten made by someone else) as she is a hopeless cook. She only wakes up early for 2 things... a red-eye flight to somewhere exotic and early morning game drives. She has just finished an extensive home renovation and would prefer to never see another box again. She's never met a chocolate or glass of bubbles that she didn't like!