Marie Claire and eight prominent South African couples are taking a stand against domestic violence this February. The annual Naked Issue of Marie Claire features various celebrities in the nude in support of People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) – a women’s rights organisation that combats violence against women. The portraits of the celebrities are being auctioned in the magazine, and all funds raised will be donated to POWA.

“We had to work twice as hard on this year’s campaign – convincing both the celebrities and their partners to take part in the protest – but it only reinforced the issue for us,” says Kate Wilson, Editor of Marie Claire. “We all need to double our efforts to take a stand against domestic violence. It’s one of South Africa"s most insidious problems, and we need to work together to overcome the silence that surrounds it.”

One of South Africa’s favourite models and TV presenters, Minki Visser, is featured on the cover of the special section with her husband Constant. They are joined in the campaign by:
*Actress and model Christina Storm, and former Idols finalist and singer, Munro du Toit;
*Metro FM DJ, Azania Ndoro and Supersport presenter, Tony Ndoro;
*Soccer star, Ryan Botha and Stacey le Roux;
*Actress, Genevieve Howard and actor, Clint Brink;
*Watershed lead singer, Craig Hinds and his wife, Natalie;
*Fashion designer, Craig Port and his partner, Bryan Hellmann;
*Comedian and radio personality, Soli Philander and his wife, Toni.

“According to research by the MRC, a woman is killed every six days by her intimate male partner in South Africa,” says Delphine Serumaga, executive director of POWA. “Women are more likely to be attacked by someone they know than by a stranger. We hope that this campaign will raise awareness of this major problem in South Africa and we want to send a message of zero tolerance about this issue.

“We urge everyone to carry the POWA helpline number with them and to give it to a friend who may need it. By passing on this number to a friend, colleague, family member or even a stranger you suspect may be a victim, you could save their life,” concludes Serumaga. The POWA helpline number is 011 642 4345.

Marie Claire is a magazine with a history of social commitment projects and awareness campaigns. The Naked Issue is part of the magazine’s ongoing Each One Reach One campaign, which aims to educate and raise awareness about social issues affecting South Africans – and empower readers to take action.

POWA offers counselling, legal advice and shelter to women survivors of domestic violence. People can volunteer their time or donate money. Donations can be deposited directly into their account:

POWA People Opposing Women Abuse
Bank: Standard Bank
Account number: 200301578
Branch code: 7205.