Keri's Couch: Lira speaks up against women abuse
"We need our brothers and fathers to wake up." This is the message Lira wants for men around the world to get from the song, 'My Body (Stand Up)'.
This year, First For Women decided to do something different in the fight against domestic violence by putting together a song - 'My Body (Stand UP)', that speaks to women who have been abused - whether physically, sexually, or emotionally - condemning this behaviour.
The song, which saw the collaboration of Mzansi musicians Lira, Jules from Goodluck, Gigi Lamayne, and Mariechan, is an initiative by First For Women and seeks to not only raise awareness, but also to support women who have been abused by donating all proceeds from downloads to the First For Women Foundation.
READ: Keri's Couch: A domestic violence surviour tells her story
Speaking to Keri about this initiative, Lira said: "It is something that I think is important to me as a woman, but also it is an opportunity to just amplify a message that is very needed right now. And I think that sometimes we sort of let things slide. e need to make noise, you know? We need to shout about it and say "NO, it is not okay!"
The four musicians sampled a popular nursery rhyme that teaches young girls to value their bodies and not allow anyone to touch them inappropriately. This, according to Lira, was done to include little girls because 16 Days of Activism is not just against women abuse, but children, too.
READ: Keri's Couch: Adoption process - where, how, and how much?
Listen to the interview below:
We all know a woman who either was abused in the past or is currently in an abusive relationship. Lira tells Keri that the important thing is for women to rally around their friends who are victims or survivors of abuse.
"Some people feel trapped. So it has been a great privilege for me and my girlfriends to rally around our friends who find themselves in this position," she adds.
READ: Keri's Couch: Getting to know the voice you wake up to at the weekend on ECR
Lira and Keri highlight the importance of downloading the song, as every cent will be used to support homes that look after women who are struggling with abuse. Stream the song here.
The full interview is available below:
IMAGE CREDIT: Instagram/Miss_Lira