End Girl Hate campaign builds bridges between women, writes NONTANDO MPOSO
Social media platforms have become a major part of our lifestyle. With just a tap, swipe, or touch of one's smartphone, you can connect or interact with people across the world.
This digital platform has also made it easier for us to communicate with our idols and celebrities – and most of them actually reply… making everyone accessible.
But social media also has its negative effects such as cyberbullying, when one person sends a threatening, abusive or offensive message to another via the internet.
Award-winning South African singer LeAnne Dlamini knows all about it. Receiving unpleasant messages and comments on her social media pages has prompted her to start the End Girl Hate campaign, a social media movement that encourages women to support each other both professionally and personally, instead of tearing each other down.
Since making it to the Top 20 in the popular X Factor UK in 2012, she has had four Top 10 radio singles and two No 1s.
Her debut album, Simply Luvlee was a hit, earning her a MetroFM award for Best Female R&B Album and a release with Universal Records in Poland. This was followed by her second album, The Journey, and she has opened for acts such Akon, Fat Joe, Kanye West, Sean Paul, Joss Stone, Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams.
Dlamini, who is always in the public eye, says she was prompted to start the End Girl Hate campaign following her own experiences with women, particularly in the entertainment industry, who were frequently unsupportive of one another.
“I used to witness a lot of hatred and jealousy among women at industry events. Often in the industry, there are people you admire, that you look at as celebrities, but when you get into their presence they have this aura and vibe around them that says 'I am unapproachable, don't talk to me’ and it immediately puts you off. I wanted to break that… (and) now when I go to events and I see someone I admire, I give them a compliment whether they take it or not.
"'I will tell them, 'Girl, you look beautiful’ and I will give them a hug… I enjoy seeing the surprised look on their faces.
“I want to break down the stereotype that women are bitchy, that we hate each other and that we can't get along. I need for people to be more mindful, be aware that we can be civil to each other, (can) support each other, collaborate,” she says.
I spoke to Dlamini during her first End Girl Hate brunch in the city, where women from professions spent the morning networking. Previously held in Joburg, the brunch was aimed at bringing women together to build social and professional relationships.
"Being in the limelight opens you up to criticism, but it’s how you handle that criticism that shows your real character," says Dlamini.
“I want people to know that I am as open as I can be. I want people to know that I am practising what I am preaching.
“For me this is not an act, it is not something I am doing to gain popularity among women and girls. I am truly doing it because I want to spread this message… it’s something that I am really passionate about,” says Dlamini.
She plans to hold similar events in Durban and other cities, and an even bigger event is in the pipeline.
“I can't be in every town, but I encourage women to start their own similar events where they get together and celebrate each other.
"I want women who attend these brunches to walk away with the knowledge that they can do whatever they want to do and that we don't have to compete with each other, but we can love and support each other, that we rise by lifting each other,” says Dlamini.
The mother of two is also busy with other aspects of her life and recently released a winter clothing line in collaboration with Joburg based label Miss Boss Couture. She is also working on completing her new album.
“I was not going to go into fashion. It was not something that I was looking at, but I grab any opportunity that comes my way.
“Music is my number one first love and I have neglected it for many years. My third album is almost ready and I am hoping to release in the coming months... fingers crossed,” Dlamini said.
● To find out more about End Girl Hate, visit: www.EndGirlHate.com or Dlamini’s Instagram page – LeAnne Dlamini.