POLOKWANE - The young women of Vhembe district in Limpopo that are abused or traumatised and end up either keeping their pain to themselves or committing suicide now finally have someone who has stepped up to bat for them.
After realising the challenges facing many young women in the largely rural area, Khuliso Mutavhatsindi, 31, established an organisation called Destined Ladies which offers an ear to teenagers who are going through various challenges, with a special focus on young girls.
“The organisation was established because we have realised that there are many young girls out there that cannot talk to their parents or family members about the challenges which they might be going through. Things like rape, abuse and everyday challenges," Mutavhatsindi said.
"The danger of them not speaking to anyone and remaining silent through ongoing challenges can result in them committing suicide.”
Destined Ladies was established in 2014 and besides seeking to help young girls who have suffered trauma, the organisation also encourages teenagers to stay away from sexual relationships at an early age in order to avoid falling pregnant or being infected with a sexually transmitted infection.
“We also encourage young girls to stay away from relationships that result in destructive behaviour or which disturb their studies or cause them to fall pregnant," she said. "We felt that it was very important to start this kind of organisation to address those kind of issues and encourage young girls to focus more on education and developing themselves."
The organisation also encourages young girls who have dropped out of school due pregnancy to go back to school and complete their studies in order to open up better opportunities for themselves and to become independent.
“Being pregnant does not stop the purpose of someone even though it might delay their plans," she said. "But if they can focus again they will be able to accomplish their dreams.”
Born and bred in a deep rural area in Tshilamba, outside Thohoyandou, Mutavhatsindi said she witnessed many young girls missing school because of their periods simply because they were unable to afford sanitary towels.
“We also donate sanitary towels to less fortunate girls,” said Mutavhatsindi.