Today marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, internationally nicknamed ‘Pinktober’ — the month Advocates for Breast Cancer (ABC) is using as their vehicle for generating awareness about South Africa’s urgent need for an equitable breast health policy. A crucial part of this campaign is equipping South Africans with the knowledge and skills they need to take up the role of breast cancer advocates so they can be the voice on behalf of the voiceless.

Advocacy: Be a Voice for the Voiceless!

So what is advocacy? Finding its heart in the Latin word, ‘advocare’, UNICEF defines advocacy to mean: ‘to call to one’s aid’ or ‘to speak out on behalf of someone.’*

Advocacy, in essence, is all about voice:

• To be the voice for those who have either been robbed completely of theirs or who aren’t equipped with the resources to raise them.