Luleki Sizwe

171,518 Supporters

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

Started 1 petition

Victory
Petitioning Collen Msibi

South Africa: Take Action to Stop 'Corrective Rape'

"Corrective Rape" is a term used to describe when a man rapes a lesbian with the aim of 'turning' her heterosexual!This heinous crime is prolific in South Africa, especially in the ‘townships.’ Most of the victims are tortured, grievously assaulted and sometimes murdered! They are also prone to getting HIV/AIDS from the assault, and many of them commit suicide as a result of the ‘corrective rape’!The South African government and justice system are failing the victims of Corrective Rape by letting the perpetrators out on ridiculously low bail, and taking literally years to bring the court-cases to a conclusion. In the meantime the victims have to live with seeing and being harassed and threatened by their rapists every day, as do those who help the victims! In the last 10 years: *31 lesbian women have been murdered because of their sexuality *More than 10 lesbians a week are raped or gang raped in Cape Town alone *150 women are raped every day in South Africa *For every 25 men accused of rape in South Africa, 24 walk freeDespite all this, hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation are not recognised by South African law! We call on the South African government to declare "Corrective Rape" a Hate-Crime that is punishable by the harshest sentences!  Photo credit: babasteve

Luleki Sizwe
171,518 supporters