We, the Youth End Period Poverty Movement, stand in unwavering solidarity with Cwecwe, the seven-year-old survivor of a horrific rape at her school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Our hearts ache for Cwecwe, her family, and all survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) who endure unimaginable pain. No child should ever suffer such brutality, and no perpetrator should escape accountability.
This heinous crime is a stark reminder of the pervasive violence faced by women, girls, and vulnerable communities in South Africa and beyond. We demand:
Justice for Cwecwe – A thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator.
Protection for Learners – Immediate measures to ensure schools are safe spaces, including GBV prevention programs, trauma support, and stricter safeguarding policies.
Systemic Change – Government, law enforcement, and educational institutions must prioritize ending GBV through policy reform, survivor-centered justice, and community education.
Support for Survivors – Access to free medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid for Cwecwe and all GBV survivors.
We call on all youth, activists, and allies to break the silence, challenge rape culture, and hold institutions accountable. GBV is not just a women’s issue, it is a human rights crisis demanding collective action.
