Keri's Couch replay: Vanessa Govender reaches women through her book
Vanessa Govender is the voice for millions of women around the world who are suffering in silence with domestic violence. She opened up about her life on Keri's Couch.
Listen to the inspirational story or read the details under the podcast:
Vanessa is well-known throughout KZN for her stellar work in journalism, but behind closed doors she is a victim of domestic violence.
Her book not only speaks for her, but millions of women. Primarily, she wants more women to open up about abuse.
"It has since remained in the top one hundred best sellers in the country. So has done remarkably well in a short space of time. Some of the country’s top political figures have thrown their weight behind the book with DA’s Mmusi Maimane and IFP Mangosuthu Buthelezi also showing their support. The book has given so many women the confidence to share their own experiences and many to also break free of their own abusive relationships," said Vanessa.
She has been inundated with stories from women on her social media. The book is achieving all the things she set out for it to, and that is for women to realise their worth, power, and that life and love after abuse is possible.
The best place to hide, is in the light
"I am working on a children’s book. But to be honest it feels as I have depleted my soul and vocabulary after writing the memoir. But I have a working title and all my characters. Just literally need an opening line and once I figure that I think the rest will follow. I am doing writing for various publications which is great. I have only ever done broadcast so TV and radio is all I have known and print has been a truly exciting if not daunting experience," said Vanessa.
Motherhood pretty much takes up all her time and often makes journalism look like a walk in the park. But she is grateful for having had so many experiences in her life. She believes when one has crawled out of hell, life becomes a profoundly beautiful experience.
"Everyday that we love, laugh and live it is a triumph and it is my sincerest hope that if anything anyone takes away from my book it is that we are powerful beyond measure weather it’s six years or six days or six months, the decision to break free is the first step towards achieving this victory!" said Vanessa.
READ: Keri's Couch: 'Beaten But Not Broken' by Vanessa Govender
Thank you, Vanessa, for #BreakingTheSilence.