- Charlize Theron opened up about South Africa's femicide crisis during a sit-down interview at the CTAOP block party in Los Angeles
- The Academy Award-winning actress said she is operating from a state of severe anger and frustration over the ongoing gender-based violence
- Theron questioned why the crisis is not receiving the global attention it deserves, calling it the most important story right now
Source: Getty Images
Charlize Theron has broken her silence on the wave of femicides gripping South Africa, saying she is consumed by rage and heartbreak over what women in her home country are enduring.
The Academy Award-winning actress and founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project sat down for a candid interview at the CTAOP block party in Los Angeles, filmed as part of the Mindful Mondays with Shudu podcast series hosted by Shudu Musida. What began as a celebratory conversation about Africa's youth and potential quickly shifted to a sombre and urgent discussion about violence against women.
Charlize's raw reaction to GBV in SA
Theron did not hold back when the topic turned to the string of recent murders of South African women, which have unfolded against the backdrop of gender-based violence being declared a national disaster in the country.
"Unfortunately, right now, I'm kind of functioning from a state of severe anger," she said. "Sadness, frustration, but trying to not forget that we have to hang on to the hope that things can be better."
She described avoiding her social media feed because of how devastating the news has become.
"I fear to go on my feed. So it's devastating that this is not something that everybody's talking about. We should all be talking about this right now. This should be the most important story."
Her most pointed remark captured a frustration felt by countless South African women:
"It's so frustrating, and it's sad when you have to wonder what is the value of a woman's life."
Watch the Instagram video below:
Shudu Musida sets the scene
Host Shudu Musida, who shared the preview clip on her Instagram, described the conversation as one that tackles realities "we cannot afford to look away from." In her caption, she said the episode covers hope, investment, accountability and "what it will take to build a future in which women and young people are not only seen, but safe."
SA women agree with Charlize
@sarah.robbie.96 noted:
"Sadly SA has had for many years one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls. I worked for a UK/SA charity several years ago with school children, trying to stop this culture but unfortunately it isn't getting better. Good that Charlize is and has been involved in trying to change it. The SA Government needs to lead on this, perhaps."
@peter86784 wrote:
"Everyone in the whole world should listen to this. Let's help spread this message."
@clintonalexander6 added:
"I applaud all of what you ladies are trying to do for the rights of women, and also for the world to recognise what is happening in the world today towards women. I pray that your voices will be heard."
@judes_rojas said:
"I can't wait to listen to this podcast. Love @charlizeafrica, indeed the most important story to talk about."
Sihle Sibisi confronted SA government on GBV
Sihle Sibisi confronted President Ramaphosa's government at a Kempton Park protest following the discovery of five women's bodies in Ekurhuleni.
Sibisi named Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Water Minister Pemmy Majodina, and King Misuzulu kaZwelethini among alleged GBV perpetrators.
Source: Briefly News
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