Morapedi

Morapedi is a young South African man who is eager to continue his education. He mourns the loss of his sister-in-law and regrets that he was unable to challenge is older brother who abused and beat her. Eventually, Morapedi’s brother began sleeping around and infected the sister-in-law with HIV, which led to her death.

Morapedi wonders how women, who are the soul of the nation, can be treated so badly.

Note: This story contains explicit content and is recommended for mature viewers age 14 and up.

Key points to consider in viewing Morapedi’s story

The deep influence on our lives of tradition and culture is woven throughout Morapedi’s story. While culture can be something to celebrate, cultural beliefs should never be used to defend abusive behaviours or practices. As you watch this story, we encourage you to be sensitive to strong views about these topics in the context of gender-based violence and HIV, and to maintain a principled stance that condemns violence.

Learn More

Sonke works with many communities to use storytelling and digital media to help people tell their own stories around gender, violence, HIV and AIDS and related issues.

Sonke partnered with Silence Speaks to enable young people and adults affected by violence and HIV and AIDS to share their stories. Other digital stories have been produced with former prisoners who experienced sexual violence in jail. And the MenEngage African Youth Alliance and Sonke partnered with UNFPA to produce “Youth Stories of Change” along with a discussion guide and other resources.

Through intensive, participatory video production workshops, Sonke is bringing rarely-heard voices and images into the civic arena. Our hope is that by highlighting everyday stories, we will deepen existing conversations about gender norms and health issues, as well as empower the storytellers and their communities.

Download Resources

Click here to download a facilitator’s guide, discussion guides and other Digital Stories resources to assist in the use of these tools in your community.