To encourage women to speak out about abuse, a local writer has published a novel in which she uses her experience as a psychiatric nurse to explain how violence within relationships should be addressed.
While conducting research for her master's degree in psychiatric nursing at the University of the North West, author Nelwamondo Mphephu gained deeper insights into the relationships between abused women and the medical nurses who assisted them. The research, conducted in the Vhembe area, is titled "Professional Nurses' Experience when Caring for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence."
The findings of this research led to the creation of her debut Tshivenda drama, Namusi Vho Guma. The drama, originally published in 2023, was relaunched on digital platforms such as Amazon and KDP in July this year.
Mphephu said that the drama's primary targets were women and girls aged 16 and up. "Women are always victims, and I wrote this as a drama to capture the imagination of my readers. This is a way to get more people to take notice of abuse. The main character, Mulalo, faces abuse from all sides. She is in a forced marriage and is abused by her in-laws. In this play, I am trying to give advice to women on what to do when faced with abuse. Women often stay silent due to the 'what-will-people say' syndrome. That time has passed, and women should speak out before they are trapped in their cocoons," she said.
Nelwamondo, originally from Lwamondo but now residing in Tshishushuru, said that women often lacked the necessary knowledge and were unwilling to stand up for their rights. "We all have to stand up and speak with one voice to say no to abuse," she said.
She added that she was eager to share her knowledge with others and invited women to arrange functions where she could speak. "My future plans include having this performed as a drama. I believe this would reach a wider audience," she said.
Women interested in sharing experiences or learning more about the book can contact her at 076-594 0710.