A new era in GBV shelter management in South Africa. One that is characterised by empowerment, upliftment, and collective action, made possible through the expertise, dedication and passion of Dr. Zubeda Dangor and the Nisaa and NSM teams and their unwavering commitment to fight against Gender Based Violence

This book has been developed for anyone interested in the issue of domestic violence. It is intended to assist with the understanding of why domestic violence happens and what kind of help is available to women who experience violence. It is particularly useful for women who want to access help in abusive relationships and for women who want to leave abusive relationships, as well as for those who assist women to cope or leave situations of intimate violence, such as friends, family members and professionals who work with abused women and children in all capacities.

This publication aims to make visible women’s voices and experience. It aims to inspire other women facing violence to seek support and find ways to overcome the abuse they experience. It aims also to promote our ongoing public awareness and lobbying work at the Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development (Nisaa) and to serve as a tool for our organisational learning.

We are those girls . Smiling through storms. Overcoming things thrown in our paths. We are those girls. Conquerors. Beautiful, intelligent, wise, strong Proud of ourselves. Willing to move our country forward. Not judging or laughing at other girls’ wounds. Sisters making a single bond. Breaking the chain of fear. Making our voices heard

We Are Those Girls is a compilation of stories written by adolescent girls and young women. These are their voices, telling their stories.