Super Saturday successful in sexual violence struggle

The collective response to a day of raising awareness against sexual violence has “brought the people who need it courage”, says organisers. Maataa Waka’s ‘Whakatika I tō Mana’ sexual violence awareness day took over the Marlborough Events Centre for two insightful Saturday sessions for the whole family on May 24, with the stated aim to ‘Break the Silence, End the Violence’.

Maataa Waka’s Whanau Resilience Kamahi Afi Leota said that the main key was to give courage to attendees that may be suffering in silence from sexual harm, and he felt they’d succeeded in that goal.

“Saturday brought people who need it courage to speak out and reach out for help, regardless of where people might be and what situation they’re in, with acceptance and care.

“The daytime session resonated with younger audience, relating to today’s world and what they face both with their peers and online and having Jazz Thornton and Mike Nowaki, two great relatable speakers, connecting with rangatahi.

“Nix Adam’s stories really captured the theme of the day, as did the conversations and emotional opening of people which I hope is the start of many positive journeys locally.

Afi says while the two-session system was “well worthwhile”, confronting sexual harm head on and with honesty must be consistent and open as it was on Saturday.

“It meant a lot to have both Nix and Jazz come through to Marlborough with the tight window they had, but it resonated how they didn’t come as people with these huge platforms but as themselves and were willing to be as open as the people they were speaking with were.

“We wanted to stretch to the all-day event, and it was well worthwhile and very encouraging.

“An event like this opens up the doors, but we need to continue supporting these efforts and I hope people are ready to carry on the work.”