Lucinda Collette Evans grew up in District 6, Cape Town, dreaming of becoming a trauma doctor. A gunshot wound to her hand ended that path, but it became the catalyst for her true calling: defending and healing survivors of gender- based violence (GBV). She founded Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women Centre, a first-responder GBV and child protection organisation that provides emergency safehouses, court support, and holistic care for women, children, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and cisgender males in distress. Lucinda’s work is both hands-on and courageous. She rescues survivors from violent situations, oversees their safety during critical 14-day stays, and provides emotional, legal, and social support. She also runs community initiatives, including a senior citizens’ club that focuses on safety education, the arts, and health screenings. What she loves most is witnessing survivors reclaim their sense of safety and dignity—the first unafraid smiles and words of relief are what keep her motivated. Her inspiration came from seeing a woman being beaten in public while bystanders did nothing; this spurred her to act and eventually transform her home garage into a safe haven. Today, her Centre continues to grow, including an early-intervention Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme for children affected by trauma and GBV. Lucinda’s guiding principle is: “You cannot lead if you haven’t served.” The most valuable lesson she has learned is the importance of service in leadership. Her best advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help; surround yourself with people who know more so you can learn and grow.” Her work underscores the importance of community support and the need for collective action in addressing GBV.
Lucinda Collette Evans
