Penquin, a leading brand and communication agency in South Africa, is proud to announce the launch of the #MyVoiceIsBeautiful campaign, a significant CSI initiative to raise funds and awareness for the TEARS Foundation. This campaign aims to empower women and break the cycle of silence surrounding domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Moonchild Sanelly, known for her vibrant personality and fearless voice, is a dynamic advocate for survivors and the leading figure in this impactful campaign. With her energetic presence and unwavering commitment, she hopes to inspire and empower survivors to reach out for support and share their personal experiences. By doing so, she aims to break the silence surrounding domestic abuse and encourage a sense of community and solidarity.

Moonchild Sanelly hopes that her involvement in this campaign will not only raise awareness but also encourage survivors to seek the help they need and deserve. As a survivor of abuse herself, Moonchild is determined to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected, fostering a supportive environment where every voice is heard and valued.

In the last year 67,358 women in South Africa were reported as victims of domestic violence. In the hands of abusers, the concept of family privacy can be a powerful tool, shielding abusers from accountability and rendering survivors voiceless.   By speaking out against domestic abuse, and providing somewhere for survivors to talk anonymously, the Tears foundation helps to give a voice back to victims.  In today’s world, the need for women’s voicers to be heard has never been more important.

The #MyVoiceIsBeautiful will encourage survivors of abuse to share their stories whilst protecting their identity, and will feature powerful narratives that highlight the resilience of survivors.  Messaging will be shared across multiple media platforms with impactful visual materials, social media graphics, posters, and digital ads.  Penquin will produce videos and voice notes featuring Moonchild Sanelly, urging individuals to share their experiences anonymously. These vocal contributions will be anonymised with AI, and integrated into a collective song composed by Moonchild, celebrating unity and resilience. This song will be released and proceeds from the song will go to the TEARS Foundation.

Additionally, Penquin will develop radio and online advertisements with powerful messages to inspire survivors to share their stories and seek support.

"We wanted to get involved in such an incredible campaign because we believe in the power of voices to drive change. The #MyVoiceIsBeautiful campaign aligns perfectly with our values at Penquin, and we are committed to supporting the TEARS Foundation in their mission to provide a safe and supportive network for survivors," said Veronica Moleele, CEO of Penquin.

The TEARS Foundation was founded by Mara Glennie, a survivor of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), involving grievous bodily harm.  After recovering, Mara established the foundation to provide support for victims of rape and abuse, enabling them to find the assistance, comfort, and compassion they need.  The foundation provides crisis intervention, advocacy, counselling, and prevention education services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. All services provided by the TEARS Foundation are confidential and offered at no charge.

"I am incredibly proud of the #MyVoiceIsBeautiful campaign and immensely thankful to Penquin for their support and funding. Their commitment to this cause shows that they truly understand the importance of breaking the silence and empowering survivors to find their voices," said Mara Glennie, Founder and Director of the TEARS Foundation.

The #MyVoiceIsBeautiful campaign invites everyone to join the cause by sharing their voices and helping to provide access to crisis intervention, advocacy, and counselling for those who need it. To donate to this incredible initiative, visit www.tears.co.za/myvoiceisbeautiful. Together, we can create a world where survivors are heard and supported.

If you or someone you know has been sexually abused or assaulted, dial 08000 TEARS (0800 083 277) or the free 24-hour USSD helpline on *134*7355# for immediate help.