The bane of women's existence in South Africa is the country itself. The authorities consistently use the word 'condemn' whenever yet another young woman is sexually violated and brutally killed. Gender-based violence has been normalised as just another 'social woe' in a country rife with misogyny, sexism, and patriarchy.

Ladies and gentlemen, Black River FC in collaboration with POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) introduce to you, The Republic of Sexual Abuse (RSA).

The exhibition was inspired by the 16 Days of Activism awareness campaign and the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) that is rampant in South Africa.

A South African holds up a sign for the Republic of Sexual Abuse exhibition in Johannesburg. (Photo: supplied)

The recent protests and marches highlighted that GBV is a matter of urgency, said Roanna Williams, executive creative director at Black River FC, and creative lead and curator on the RSA campaign.

"Knowing that women's rights are the most abused rights in our country, we could not let another 16 days of activism pass by without using our voices to assist the NGO POWA who are on the frontline fighting this issue every day. People need to be exposed to the ramifications of the brutal...