As Women’s Month draws to a close this August, Brackenfell beauty pageant contestant Charina Joubert has vowed to continue striking a blow – literally – against abuse.
Ms Joubert is a top-25 finalist in the Mrs South Africa beauty pageant.
The 30-year-old mother of two boys, aged 2 and 6, is the founder of the #fightback campaign and an activist against women and children abuse.
The #fightback campaign is part of Ms Joubert’s humanitarian work for the pageant. She hosts free self-defence classes once a month at Lethal Edge MMA martial arts school in Parow East .
Classes will next be held on Saturday September 28 and Saturday October 12, at 10am.
“I started the self-defence classes earlier this year for children and women from various areas to join. My classes are aimed to help them get out of threatening situations including domestic abuse and bullying. This will enable them to fight back,” said Ms Joubert.
She describes herself as a “resilient fighter” and said, “I have not allowed the trials and tribulations that I have faced to define me, but instead have appreciated the woman I have become, and I am grateful for what I have been through as it has moulded me into the strong woman I am today.”
Ms Joubert also works with the Women4Women foundation, a non-profit organisation that helps young women in disadvantaged communities with self development and study bursaries.
She will hold a fund-raiser, Celebration of Heritage, at the Castle of Good Hope, on Friday September 6, in aid of Women4Women. It will include a tour of the castle and a performance by Major 7. Tickets are R300.
Ms Joubert said it could be challenging juggling her job as a financial adviser, being a mother, wife and pageant queen.
“Time management is key, but it’s unexplainable; it’s just something women can do.”
When she has some free time, she enjoys singing and writing poetry.
She hopes to one day set up a safe house for women and children who have been victims of violence and abuse.
“My aim is to give a voice to the voiceless. Many of our women and children are stuck in these bad situations and are seeking help,” she said.
If you would like to join the self-defence classes or book tickets for the “Celebration of Heritage” event, call Ms Joubert on
082 391 0931.