I have very mixed emotions in December - here in the west, at the end of the month, we gather together as families, celebrate holidays, buy each other whatever presents we can afford and have fun with our loved ones. Doesn't matter what faith we are from, it is a time of celebration and getting together.
Then I have a moment to think about what it must be like for those who have little or nothing ... what would it be like for you if you you were a girl, at school, who lived in South Africa on the breadline. Not much to look forward to in major presents although I'm sure the family would try to do what it can to make the season a bit special; but the TV and internet and girlie chatter would all be about what you 'must' have and what you 'must' wear creating great expectations. Then next week you would break up from school for the 'party' and 'celebration' month, probably on 15th December.
16th December is a national holiday in South Africa - it's called Reconciliation Day; on that day you have the highest chance of being raped - it is the worst day of the year for rape, assault and violence against girls and women. The numbers are quite, quite shocking. One in two girls will be raped in their lives and high numbers are attacked on 16th December.
After that your Christmas and New year wouldn't be much fun, and no-one would be celebrating.
Then I have a moment to think about what it must be like for those who have little or nothing ... what would it be like for you if you you were a girl, at school, who lived in South Africa on the breadline. Not much to look forward to in major presents although I'm sure the family would try to do what it can to make the season a bit special; but the TV and internet and girlie chatter would all be about what you 'must' have and what you 'must' wear creating great expectations. Then next week you would break up from school for the 'party' and 'celebration' month, probably on 15th December.
16th December is a national holiday in South Africa - it's called Reconciliation Day; on that day you have the highest chance of being raped - it is the worst day of the year for rape, assault and violence against girls and women. The numbers are quite, quite shocking. One in two girls will be raped in their lives and high numbers are attacked on 16th December.
After that your Christmas and New year wouldn't be much fun, and no-one would be celebrating.
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