Monica Brown Takes Activism to the Next Level with South Africa Scream#selfworth

Let's delve deeper into the connection between self-worth and passion! Today, I want to use my own story as an example. My dedication to gender equality and gender based violence advocacy reflects not only my desire to help others, but also my strong self-belief. This is something we can all tap into , the power of believing in ourselves to make a difference.

For over 24 years, I have been a leading voice for positive change through my non-profit organisation, SCREAMZA. This is actually an acronymn that presents the steps I had to take to get out of my abusive environment.

S- Stand Up meaning that you have to get up from your space and go look for help.

C- Cry Out meaning that you have to speak out and tell your story so that it is known.

R- Reach Out meaning that you have to research who to speak to, so that you can get the necessary assistance no matter in what form.Talking to trusted friends, family, or a therapist can provide emotional support and guidance.

E- Eliminating the Abuse that you going through.Developing Coping Mechanisms through techniques like mindfulness, journaling, or relaxation exercises helped me manage stress and anxiety.

A- Abuse meaning that I stopped speaking about the problem but started speaking at the problem.When survivors speak at abuse, they break the silence and empower others who may be experiencing similar situations. This fosters a sense of community and solidarity among survivors, letting them know they are not alone.

M-Make a Difference meaning that by taking the above 5 steps I pledged to make a difference in my own life and for others by telling my story.

ZA- Indicating my geographical location meaning South Africa.

However, I recognised the need to take my activism a step further and address the lack of commitment to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues within corporate and institutional settings. This realisation led me to establish South Africa Scream, a Johannesburg-based consultancy dedicated to these crucial areas.

My long-standing dedication to social justice through SCREAMZA has fuelled my passion to make a broader impact. I observed that many companies, schools, and even churches prioritise profit, reputation, or internal dynamics over the well-being of their staff, students, or congregations. This motivated me to step outside my comfort zone and directly engage with these institutions.

South Africa Scream represents a strategic shift in my activism. It leverages my extensive experience while offering a professional and corporate approach to promoting DEIB and addressing GBV.

I recognises the importance of activists moving beyond "safe spaces" and entering the environments where their voices are most needed. South Africa Scream represents a powerful step forward in influencing lasting change within these critical institutions.

For those that still grapple with what a GBV Consultant does, may the following explanation give you a clearer understanding.

A GBV Consultant, which stands for Gender-Based Violence Consultant, is a specialist who provides expertise on preventing and responding to violence against women, men, and children based on their gender.

Here's a breakdown of their role:

Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of gender dynamics and how they contribute to violence.
• Understanding of different forms of GBV, such as physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse.
• Awareness of the legal frameworks and policies surrounding GBV.

Responsibilities

• Assessment and Analysis: They may assess the needs of a community or organisation regarding GBV prevention and response. They might analyse data on GBV prevalence, identify risk factors, and recommend solutions.
• Program Development and Implementation: They can help design and implement programs to prevent GBV, such as awareness campaigns, training for professionals, and support services for survivors.
• Capacity Building: They can train and empower individuals and organisations to address GBV effectively. This could involve training healthcare workers, law enforcement officials, social workers, or community leaders.
• Advocacy and Policy Development: They might advocate for stronger laws and policies to address GBV and promote gender equality.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: They can help monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of GBV prevention and response programs.

Work Settings

• GBV Consultants can work for a variety of organisations, including:
• Non-profit organisations working on women's rights and gender equality.
• International development agencies (e.g., UN Women, UNICEF)Government agencies focusing on social welfare or justice.
• Private companies or corporations wanting to create safe and inclusive workplaces.

Overall, GBV Consultants play a crucial role in creating a world free from gender-based violence. They use their expertise to protect the most vulnerable and promote a more just and equitable society.

My Final Thoughts

My journey exemplifies the transformative potential of activism that extends beyond traditional non-profit work. By embracing a consultative approach, South Africa Scream offers businesses a valuable partnership in fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

Forward-thinking business owners who recognise the importance of DEIB and GBV prevention understand that supporting such consultants isn't just the right thing to do, it's a strategic investment in a more empowered and productive workforce.

Together, businesses and passionate advocates like myself can create a ripple effect of positive change, not just within companies, but throughout society as a whole