‘It’s only gotten worse’: Charlize Theron speaks out against femicide in South Africa

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron on Thursday added her voice to South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence and femicide, which rose to the forefront this week after a UCT student was raped and murdered in a post office in Cape Town.

Throughout the week, hashtags trended on social media as thousands of South African citizens came together in a number of protests to create awareness and enact change.

One user posted a banned ad Charlize Theron shot back in 1999, where the South African-born actress spoke out against rape culture in the country.

“Fast forward 20 years and it’s only gotten worse,” the tweet read.

Theron responded to the tweet, saying that “rape and femicide are still a huge epidemics in South Africa” and that the leaders of the country have failed women.

“To the men in my home country — please protect our women. STAND UP. SPEAK UP. Do not be bystanders,” the star further tweeted.

Charlize Theron is not the first celebrity to directly comment on the issues South Africa’s currently facing however. On Wednesday local musician Sho Madjozi also added her well-articulated views on Twitter.

The conversations that have sparked among local and international circles are proof that South Africa is making history for its fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

Feature image: screenshot, @CharlizeAfrica via Twitter

Shereesa Moodley
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