To say this post has gone viral is an understatement. #ChallengeAccepted was on 5.4 million posts on Instagram yesterday (29th July 2020), 24 hours later it is at 6.1 million posts – but do you know what you’re standing for?
Like with any social media trend, it’s important to know the origin.
“The true reason behind this viral trend is for more than just vanity. Turkey, with its 6th most global users for Instagram, began the viral trend to bring light to Femicide and how common it is for us to see black & white photos of women murdered by the senseless arrogance & uncontrolled violence of men. We’re no strangers to waking up to a new black & white image, a new hashtag on Instagram & a solidarity of outcry of the nation banding together for the change we desperately hope to see.”- Zeycan Rocelle
The reason: Pinar Gültekin
Protests in Turkey broke out after Gültekin’s ex-boyfriend led police to her strangled & partially burned body, stashed inside an oil drum, five days after her July 16 disappearance. The murder appeared to have been the last straw in a nation where women feel increasingly endangered. She is the reason the: #challengeaccepted #womensupportingwomen movement began & the message to fight against femicide, seems to have been lost in this viral Instagram campaign.
Let’s not forget about Pinar Gültekin! And ALL the women who have lost their lives. This trend holds so much power in how viral it has become.
Rest in Power to all the victims of femicide.
My wish is this: that the women who are victims of GBV & domestic violence, may find the strength to leave safely.
According to the most recent data from 2017/18, a woman is murdered every three hours in South Africa! https://bit.ly/2X9fUMS
If you need help as a victim of GBV: The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) operates under The Department of Social Development. The Centre operates a National, 24hr/7days-a-week Call Centre facility. The Centre operates an Emergency Line number – 0800 428 428.
This is supported by a USSD, “please call me” facility: *120*7867#.
A Skype Line ‘Helpme GBV’ for members of the deaf community also exists. (Add ‘Helpme GBV’ to your Skype contacts).
An SMS Based Line 31531 for persons with disabilities (SMS ‘help’ to 31531) also exists.
The Centre is able to refer calls directly to SAPS (10111) and field Social Workers who respond to victims of GBV.
For help contact Tears Foundation https://www.tears.co.za/
“If we are to fight discrimination and injustice against women we must start from the home for if a woman cannot be safe in her own house then she cannot be expected to feel safe anywhere.”
Aysha Taryam
Social Media Marketing Jozi 
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