One woman’s fight against gender based violence

Judy Umraw, 55, from Pietermaritzburg, has dedicated her life to fighting gender- based violence (GBV).

Umraw, a mother of two, is also passionate about dance, which was why she started the Judy Umraw School of Dance in 2008, which offers free classes to the aged and performs for fund-raising initiatives throughout the year.

Through her initiatives, Umraw started her involvement in becoming the voice of GBV victims.

“I have been passionate about gender-based violence as a youngster, learning to stand up for equality and respect in a male dominant society.

“My passion as an activist against gender-based violence amplified as I witnessed my family, friends and students being affected by this pandemic. I became the voice of many victims.”

Umraw started her fund-raising initiative for a women's safe space at the Pietermaritzburg Homeless Network, establishing a safe space for destitute women and GBV victims.

She is so dedicated to the cause that in 2019, she climbed Uhuru Peak and Mount Kilimanjaro draped in a pink sari.

“The sari was signed with pledges against gender-based violence to bring awareness to the scourge of the heinous crimes.

“The sari was symbolic of feminism, courage and determination. Due to the unfavourable weather conditions and rugged terrains it was not easy to climb in the sari, but I knew that this was a purpose bigger than myself and I had unwavering faith that I would accomplish the goal.

“Mountaineering is a male-dominated sport and we are often conditioned to believe that such feats are beyond our reach.

“Undertaking this challenge draped in a sari was important and significant to me. It was also breaking stereotypical opinions about women and highlighting our potential.”

The summit in the pink sari had a positive impact on many women and youth.

The pink sari has become the symbol of GBV with honorary exhibitions at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg, the Byrne Museum in Richmond and Howick Museum.

“The journey was also introspective and life changing for me, and I am able to share my experiences and motivate and inspire others.

“If given the opportunity, I would love to take this journey again. I am an avid hiker, and no experience in nature is ever the same. Nature has so much to give and teach us.”

Umraw plans to pack this Women's Month with motivational talks at events and will celebrate her Lady in the Pink Sari exhibition at the Howick Museum.

“I would like to reiterate that although we celebrate Women's Month annually, we should invite and encourage the support of the men too in order to reinforce changing mindsets towards women.

“Education is key to making positive change. We should inculcate these values and respect in our children too, so that they advocate equality in the future,” said Umraw.