The campaign kicked off on the back of Women's Month to highlight the high number of toxic proverbs in South Africa. This was in the hope of generating awareness about the national epidemic of gender-based violence.

Through a billboard, influencer and public relations drive, steering awareness back towards conversation change will hopefully help see the public how problematic some of our traditions have been, says the duo.

Clockwork says that when we change the way society views a woman's value, we can begin to repair deeply-rooted mindsets that ultimately perpetuate the cycle of gender-based violence.

A lot of work needs to go towards fixing the systemic belief systems that keep women at a disadvantage in the eyes of society, but through small changes being applied by establishments, such as the Green Door charity, we will ultimately find female empowerment becoming more recognised, adds Clockwork.

Green Door is a registered non-profit organisation that offers temporary shelter, emotional support and counsel to survivors of rape and gender-based violence, with a strong footing in the Diepsloot community.

The company was started by Brown Lekekela. Survivors also reach out to Green Door for medical treatment, legal advice and personal empowerment through skills development programmes.

Lekekela's vision is to break the cycle of violence by empowering women with knowledge about their rights and the skills to lessen dependency on their abusers. This also involves educating men and youth on gender justice. 

Lekekela has been the recipient of significant recognition for his efforts, including:
  • the 2016 LEAD SA Hero Of The Month
  • the 2020 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans, and
  • the 2020 Giraffe Hero of the Month Awards.
Despite the phenomenal contribution to the community, the shelter says that it receives no governmental funding. It is through corporate and private funding, that the shelter is able to maintain the high standard of aid provided to the community.

For more information, visit www.greendoorshelter.org.