Poppy Rose Dubazana, a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) ambassador in South Africa's Randwest District, has transformed her personal struggles into a commitment to helping others. As chairperson of the Community Safety Forum (CSF) Women Sector, she leads awareness campaigns and support initiatives for women affected by abuse, HIV, and tuberculosis. Her journey into community work was motivated by her experience living with burn scars, which taught her about resilience and the importance of supporting others.
Dubazana's work focuses on bridging the gap between women in need and available support services. She listens without judgment and raises awareness about the interconnected issues of HIV, TB, and GBV at clinics, schools, and community dialogues. Her approach emphasizes that abuse is not the fault of the victim and that everyone deserves safety, love, and dignity. This message is central to her role as a GBVF ambassador and CSF chairperson.
The women Dubazana supports include those experiencing abuse, those who have lost hope, and those who fear their voices won't be heard. Her experience has shown her that healing is not about returning to a previous state but about moving forward with purpose. This lesson guides her work and the advice she shares with young women entering the field.
Dubazana's personal story is one of survival and transformation. She describes herself as soft-hearted and compassionate, qualities shaped by her struggles with self-esteem. She considers herself a survivor and finds healing in writing, sharing knowledge, and connecting with women in her community.
Through her work, Dubazana aims to remind women that they are not defined by their scars but by their ability to survive and progress. She shares motivational messages to uplift survivors and advises taking life one day at a time. Her approach is rooted in her own experiences and training in GBVF, TB, and HIV through Nacosa.
As a leader in her community, Dubazana's work extends beyond awareness campaigns to include referring women for help and supporting them in accessing health services. Her commitment to her community is evident in her daily work and her dedication to making a positive impact.
Dubazana's story serves as a testament to the power of personal experience in driving positive change. Her work continues to inspire and support women in her community, offering a message of hope and resilience.
Key points
- Poppy Rose Dubazana supports women experiencing abuse, HIV, and TB in South Africa's Randwest District.
- She is a GBVF ambassador and chairperson of the Community Safety Forum Women Sector.
- Dubazana's work focuses on awareness, support, and empowerment for survivors of abuse and related health issues.
