Luleki Sizwe

Luleki Sizwe ~ Supporting Victims of ‘CORRECTIVE RAPE’ in South Africa’s townships

OUR OBJECTIVES:

To change the existing negative perception about lesbian, bi-sexual and transsexual (LBT) women in our society

To support and reach out to lesbians who have been forced from their homes due to their sexual orientation and HIV status

To educate and empower lesbians about issues such as safe sex, healthy living, health programmes, sport, media, arts/ culture and human rights

To raise awareness on social issues e.g. rape, sexual assault, discrimination

To celebrate young and older lesbians through arts, drama and other forms of expression

To fundraise for different programs

To create awareness around LBT human rights at a professional and social level

OUR ACTIVITIES:

Providing a safe house and medical care for recent victims of “corrective rape”

Cooking and distributing healthy meals for victims of rape and their families

Distributing donated goods such as bedding and toiletries

Educational programmes and computer classes

Campaigning and advocating (see news section)

Sports teams for friendship, support, solidarity and fun!2 soccer teams and 1 rugby team

Cultural activities and trips

Assisting across all local groups including the elderly and HIV charities

South Africa guarantees the rights of gay and lesbian people, including the right to same-sex marriages

BUT

Hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation are not recognised by South African law

At least 31 lesbian women have been murdered because of their sexuality in the last 10 years

More than 10 lesbians a week are raped or gang raped in Cape Town alone

South Africa has one of the highest incidences of rape in the world

150 women are raped every day in South Africa

For every 25 men accused of rape in South Africa, 24 walk free

lulekisizwe.wordpress.com/