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I wish I took a better photo.
I took this photo exactly six years ago. It's from the last day that I saw my sister Nikita in person before she was murdered. I hosted an early Christmas lunch and Niki was fashionably late. 1/
I took this photo exactly six years ago. It's from the last day that I saw my sister Nikita in person before she was murdered. I hosted an early Christmas lunch and Niki was fashionably late. 1/
She went to @fashion_capital to get her hair done and mum told me to wait for her to arrive before we could start eating. I was so annoyed, and hungry, but when Niki arrived dressed like this ready to do Christmas 100% and gave me a massive hug, I couldn't feel mad anymore. 2/
When we talk about violence against women, we often look at the statistics. But to help understand what that means, let's look at what that violence looks like. 3/
It looks like a Christmas lunch with an empty seat at the table, getting a cake on a loved one's birthday who's no longer there, or the lifelong grief that impacts families because of men who exercise power and control. 4/
We know that family violence increases around the holiday period and that brings back many painful memories for me and many others. This is a time of year that should feel happy, safe and free. Yet it's a time that isn't any of those things for far too many people. 5/
Over the past six years, I have been beyond lucky to receive the credit that I have for the community and advocacy work I have done. I simply don't want others to meet the same fate as Niki. 6/
But it's on the shoulders of giants and those who don't get the credit that any of this is possible.
Women like my dear mum and Niki inspire me deeply, as do all victim survivors. 7/
Women like my dear mum and Niki inspire me deeply, as do all victim survivors. 7/
Their strength, dignity, and grace in the face of pain makes me want to be the best man I can be. Compassion and empathy in the face of overwhelming adversity is a lesson for us all and what leadership should look like. For me, it's part of the true message of Christmas. 8/
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy festive season!
As I reflect on these memories, I really do wish I took a better photo. But I mostly just wish I didn't need one.
#NotOneMoreNiki 9/
As I reflect on these memories, I really do wish I took a better photo. But I mostly just wish I didn't need one.
#NotOneMoreNiki 9/
