How the #DoekWithADifference campaign is tackling cervical cancer in South Africa

Artscape CEO and disability rights activist Marlene le Roux has been announced as the new ambassador for #DoekWithADifference, a national campaign raising awareness about cervical cancer through cultural pride and health advocacy.

The campaign uses the iconic South African doek - a headwrap worn by women across cultures - as a rallying symbol in the fight to end cervical cancer.

This disease claims the lives of at least 16 women in South Africa every day, roughly one every 67 minutes, according to Rondebosch resident, Salomé Meyer, director of the Cancer Alliance.

The campaign, launched by Pink Trees for Pauline (PTFP) in collaboration with the Cancer Alliance, introduced Ms le Roux as its new ambassador on Saturday, August 9, during the Artscape Women’s Day Festival.

#DoekWithADifference was originally developed by Pink Trees for Pauline, known for its colourful cancer-awareness campaigns.

From 2025, the project enters a new chapter through its partnership with the Cancer Alliance.

Adri van Nieuwenhuizen, managing director of Pink Trees for Pauline, called the collaboration “a powerful step forward” for both organisations.

“We’re proud to see this campaign grow into something that blends cultural heritage with urgent health messaging,” she said.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of these vibrant headwraps will go to the Cancer Alliance’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme, funding education, advocacy, and screening services.

Ms Meyer, a tireless campaigner for women’s health, stressed the urgent need for systemic change so that “no woman dies simply because she couldn’t access care.”

She explained that most clinics only offer screenings during working hours, forcing women to lose wages and pay for transport, sometimes making up to six separate trips before receiving a diagnosis.

“It’s unacceptable,” she said.

Ms Meyer says that while South Africa has had a school-based HPV vaccination programme since 2014, major gaps remain in adult screening and awareness.

“Vaccinating your children, getting screened with an HPV DNA test, and early treatment are the keys to saving lives. We need urgent action now.”

Ms Le Roux, a renowned arts and culture leader and outspoken advocate for women living with disabilities, says she is deeply moved to take up the ambassador role.

As a woman with a disability and a person of colour, Ms Le Roux said the campaign also speaks to the deep inequalities faced by marginalised groups.

“I know what it means to be excluded. Women with disabilities must fight daily for opportunities and access. Equality without resources means nothing,” she said.

Born in the town of Wellington and raised under apartheid, she credits music, strong teachers, and her mother’s support for shaping her life.

“I’m the disabled girl from ‘die Skema’ who was raised by a village,” she said.

“I never forget where I come from. Every day, I live with gratitude.”

Today, she uses her platform not only to celebrate the arts but to push for economic and educational opportunities, especially for young women with disabilities.

“This campaign isn’t about pity. It’s about power. It’s about making sure every woman is seen, heard and cared for.”

“I have survived breast cancer and know the pain and uncertainty of that journey,” she said.

“Cervical cancer is preventable, and yet too many women are still dying from it. This campaign is about changing that reality.”

She believes the doek is both a cultural and unifying symbol.

“When we wear it, we tell a story of resilience, beauty, and strength,” said Ms Le Roux.

“Through #DoekWithADifference, we can bring those qualities into a fight that affects every community.”

Inspired by Zambia’s successful “DukuTober” movement, the South African campaign hopes to make the doek a visible, daily reminder of the need for action against cervical cancer.

Each doek costs R100, excluding delivery costs. To place an order, contact Salomé Meyer at salome@canceralliance.org.za.

For festival details, visit www.artscape.co.za. Tickets are available through Webticket.