What is Freedom to you?
This was the question posed to a group of customers during a marketing campaign. I did not think much of it, until I heard the answers to the question.
This is when I realized that the perception or meaning of the word ‘freedom’ is relative to where you come from, what you have experienced and what you have been exposed to.
When you grow up in a world were having a simple, single meal per day is considered being blessed, your understanding of basic needs may be different from the child ‘forced’ to eat three meals, plus two snacks a day to ensure a ‘balanced diet’.
When, in your world, tradition or religion allows your family to marry you off at 14, to a man 3 times your age, taken to a remote village, with nowhere to run, your understanding of ‘freedom of choice’ will be different from the young girl living in a world where her biggest concern is having access to data.
How can these two girls have the same understanding of the world?
Someone I respect and love once told me: “common sense is not that common”. One of these girls were programmed to believe that it is ok for her to be made to marry, it happened to her mother and will most probably happen to her daughter one day.
The other is taught from a young age that her body is her own, to be respected, about her right of choice and, have a family, systems and even laws protecting her from being ‘molested’ or abused. Even the words we use to describe the same situation are worlds apart.
To some it is common sense that one of these girls are being exploited, abused and used, to her, it is what she has been ‘programmed’ to accept as culture or religion and “acceptable” in her world.
Where do you begin to fix the divide between these two young women? Is it even possible? The sad truth is, it is not possible. You cannot erase what they have already lived but, you can give them options.
Do you know how ‘powerful’ women are? They have become so strong and have survive so much. To improve their lives becomes so simple, like a seed waiting for a drop of water. Strong, resilient and hungry to learn and grow.
Touch by Africa offers a free 12-month apprentice program for young ladies who wish to improve their lives, learn new skills and find a way to be self-reliant and hopefully help them earn a better income. Not all our students have the same background, nor have they experience the same trauma, they do not even speak the same language but, they are all women in a place where options are limited.
We assume nothing and start from what is considered ‘common sense’. Our trainers are anyone and everyone including customers, friends and business contacts. When you start to really examine, we all have skills, which we take for granted. From hygiene, communication, body posture, very basic computer skills or typing, sowing, reading and writing, navigating social media and most important, finding your own barriers.
They are trained as therapist, understanding the body and learning positive touch with massage and beauty services. Helping others forms part of their healing and having feedback that acknowledge them and their new skills, are like salve to their broken hearts. Being seen and acknowledged has no price tag, and you cannot measure the power of positive feedback.
Simply by going places, meeting new people from all walks of life, observing how people live and interact, being complimented and acknowledged, you open their minds to new possibilities. From corporate desk massage to a night market, every experience brings new awareness and, it all start with connecting to people.
Be a part of the project by visiting www.touchbyafrica.co.za
Book a massage or treatment or offer a skill.
Contact Ronel Botes for more information on how you can form part of the women for women community. 082 456 7155