5 MID MORNINGS - 16 DAYS, 16 VOICES - LEYONIE MARAIS

In the 7th episode of 16 Days, 16 Voices we hear from Leyonie Marais, the author of the book "Dethrone the Rapist". Her experiences with gender‑based violence (GBV) started at the age of 5. Having been assaulted six times by six different men, she turned her terrifying ordeal into fuel for healing and advocacy. Rather than disappear into silence, Leyonie reclaimed her story, not just for herself but for others who’ve suffered in similar shadows. She wrote her book to give survivors a voice, to challenge stigma and shame, and to remind people that survival is possible even in the darkest circumstances.