SANBS joins Sisters with Blisters.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has rallied behind a diverse group of 10 000 men and women. They donned their most fun and colourful clothes (and some uncomfortable heels) to walk the streets of Fourways in solidarity with victims of abuse.

The event is known as Sisters with Blisters and marks 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. The annual commemoration, which was marked by last weekend’s event, is a period used by many worldwide to heighten the call for the prevention and elimination of sexual and other abuse committed against women and children.

Data from the Department of Justice show that between 2014/ 2015, over 560 000 sexual offences occurred but just under 63 000 were reported.

SANBS partnered with the walk organisers, 1st for Women and Jacaranda FM, to participate as walkers and to educate people about the SANBS brand and the important role it plays in ensuring that our communities flourish by providing sufficient safe blood and blood products.

“Taking part in such causes is within our organisational fibre. We proudly support and participate in initiatives that empower and benefit our communities,” said SANBS marketing manager, Silungile Mlambo.

Sisters with Blisters creates awareness about the unacceptable levels of violence against women and children. It seeks to improve people’s perception of and response to sexual violence. Its goal is also to unite people by encouraging them to become part of the solution and reduce the stigma that survivors of physical and sexual abuse are burdened with.

“SANBS is proud to support the Sisters with Blisters initiative because abusive behaviour is never acceptable and all people, regardless of gender or age, deserve to feel valued, respected and safe,” concluded Mlambo.