“Violence is caused by drugs and alcohol. When you’re stressed, or you’ve done something wrong,” says Themba. “So to help people is to be kind and advise them on how to solve their stress, because you can’t run away from your problem. You must face your problem.”

Themba now volunteers as a “Monitor” which means he looks out for younger boys getting into drugs and encourages them to go to rehab. “I’ve told Nozuko that I’ve changed. She’s been excited by that. I now tell other young boys my story and what it is to change. I am an example to them,” explains Themba.

Background

In March 2013 the United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women will meet to discuss how to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls.

This International Women's Day, help demand action by sending a message to global leadersthat it's time to put a stop to this worldwide injustice.

UK aid is working in 21 countries to address physical and sexual violence against women and girls and will be supporting 10 million women and girls with improved access to security and justice services by 2015.

Find out more about how UK aid is helping to end violence against women at www.dfid.gov.uk/violence-against-women-and-girls

For more information about the Isibindi programme visit UNICEF South Africa

Pictures: Lindsay Mgbor/Department for International Development

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