Return To Womanhood is a collection which celebrates women in South Africa who have been victims of abuse. The collection motivates women to return to their inner safety and beauty.
The campaign includes two inspirational women from St Anne’s, a safe house in Woodstock, Cape Town. Syd West and Zandi Mbetshu. They share their story on how they regained their inner strength and reclaimed their self worth.
For more info on how to help abused women and children please contact St Anne's (021) 448-6792
Syd West from St Anne's Home
“Before coming to St Anne’s, I was in an emotionally abusive relationship for 13 years. After leaving my husband I found myself destitute and living on the street. It’s very hard for me to talk about what happened, I suppose we hear things like this everyday. When I found myself in the shoes of being raped and contracting HIV, I decided I had to be strong for my daughter and not give up.
To me a Return To Womanhood means renaissance, a rebirth. It’s been a journey where I’ve transitioned from this person who had low self esteem, to this woman who is optimistic and in love with life. I’m just grateful to have this opportunity to start over again” ~ Syd West
Photographer : Gemma Shepard
Hair & make up : Justine Norms
Hair & Make Up : Robyn Newman
Model : Zintle , Andiswa, Candace, Zandi, Syd
Agency : 20 Modelmanagment
Safe House : St Anne's Home
Shoes : Adidas