Khathutshelo Mercy Tshivhase from Fondwe village, popularly known as Bliss, published the first part of her book series, called The Untold stories of SHE, at the end of January this year.
Bliss (29), an engineering graduate, is the founder and director of Blissful Smiles Foundation, a non-profit organisation. She is also a certified life coach and a philanthropist at heart.
The untold Stories of SHE is based on the real-life experiences of the victims of gender-based violence (GBV). The book was written with the aim of lending these victims a voice and teaching others to speak out about abuse.
Bliss, a victim of GBV herself, said that the violence she had endured had left her suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder, and chronic depression.
"There is a part of me that I can never get back, but I do have a lot that I want to give back. I am not my trauma. As a victim of GBV myself, I know how hard it is to go mute, being told to keep quiet when you know the only way to heal is to speak up. I wrote this book, not as a victim, but as a teacher. I want these stories to be lessons to everyone - men and women - who are still afraid to speak out, as well as make society aware of the impact GBV has on families and communities," she said.
Bliss uses her experiences to inspire and provide hope through her foundation, which focuses on mental-health awareness and support, mentoring, coaching, career guidance, donations, and charity work. In 2022, she was nominated for the Young Woman in Community Leadership award at the South African Heroines Awards.
"I aim for the stars and, against all odds, I still endure. I will take as many as I can with me on my way to victory," she said.
For a copy of her book, contact Bliss on 060 973 9704.