shloboe boe
Tsenulo Moyo
DESPITE being a mere 19-year-old student, Silethemba Dube has defied expectations and emerged as a powerful voice for mental health advocacy. Challenging the notion that age is merely a number, she is actively working to improve the mental well-being of children.
Silethemba, a student at St Columba’s High School in Bulawayo, has been actively advocating against gender-based violence, particularly during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs annually from 25 November to 10 December.
Her passion for this cause has driven her to initiate various awareness campaigns and workshops within her school and community.
She has penned powerful poems addressing both physical and psychological abuse, which she has been sharing during the 16 Days of Activism. Additionally, she has discussed this critical issue during the monthly “Words Matter” show at Alliance Française.
Silethemba is also an active member of the young poets’ group, “we cre8te Afrika,” where she has performed thought-provoking pieces on gender-based violence, aiming to raise awareness and spark dialogue.
Silethemba explained that her concern for mental health issues, especially as they relate to gender-based violence victims, has motivated her advocacy.
She recognises the significant impact that such violence has on the mental well-being of survivors, often leading to long-lasting trauma and emotional distress. This understanding has driven her to speak out and support those affected.
“It wasn’t a personal experience that compelled me to advocate against this issue, but rather the horrifying stories I’ve heard and read about gender-based violence,” she explained.
“While I advocate for overall mental health, gender-based violence, as a significant human rights violation, is a topic I frequently address in my mental health awareness campaigns,” she added.
“I’m fighting gender-based violence without focusing on a specific gender. Although the 16 Days of Activism primarily highlights the disproportionate impact on women, mental health transcends gender. It would be unjust to advocate for only one gender,” Silethemba explained.
She explained that so far, she has encountered minimal challenges, as most people have responded positively to her posts.
She also highlighted the potential of social media to influence the fight against GBV, especially if influential figures join the campaign, as people tend to listen to their opinions.
Silethemba suggested that schools should establish guidance and counselling corners as safe spaces for children to openly discuss sensitive issues like GBV without fear of judgment.
“I advise my fellow young girls to confide in a trusted person, seek help, and act promptly, as there are numerous organizations ready to assist young girls in such situations,” she said.
“I also urge people to stop dismissing these issues as mere stories or myths. Gender-based violence is a real problem affecting real people. By ignoring it, we risk allowing more people to suffer in silence, with potentially devastating consequences,” she emphasised.
“For young people passionate about combating gender-based violence, I believe that silence equates to acceptance. If we don’t address these issues while we’re young, we risk becoming part of a harmful culture,” Silethemba said.
She said through her campaign, she hopes to engage more people around her age to listen to such issues, as they often tend to dismiss them when addressed by older individuals.
“I hope my poetry will level the playing field, encouraging my peers to pay attention to the seriousness of GBV, especially when it’s addressed by someone their own age,” she said. “Going forward, I plan to tackle more societal issues through my poetry,” Silethemba added.
Sinokubonga Nkala
