Discussion | Gender based violence cases on the rise

Summary

In Johannesburg, a march against gender-based violence was held following the recent murders of two women. Gender activists and a Commission for Gender Equality spokesperson discuss the ongoing crisis in South Africa, emphasizing the need for men to change their actions. The conversation highlights the importance of educating young boys and holding abusers accountable. Activists call for societal change, urging men to speak out against violence and for institutions to fulfill their mandates in preventing such crimes.

Takeaways

• 🚨 **Urgent Issue**: The script discusses the ongoing and severe problem of gender-based violence in South Africa, with recent murders of women highlighted.
• 🗣️ **Voices of Activism**: Gender activists and a Commission for Gender Equality spokesperson express their views on the crisis, emphasizing the need for change.
• 👥 **Male Accountability**: There is a call for men in South Africa to take responsibility for their actions and to change their behavior towards women.
• 👶 **Youth Focus**: The conversation suggests that addressing the issue should start with young boys, teaching them respect and proper behavior towards women.
• 🏠 **Family and Society**: The role of family structures and societal norms in perpetuating violence against women is discussed, with an emphasis on the impact of single-parent homes and exposure to violence.
• 👮‍♂️ **Institutional Failure**: Critics argue that institutions like the Commission for Gender Equality have failed to effectively address the issue and are not living up to their mandate.
• 📢 **Awareness Campaigns**: The script mentions the importance of awareness campaigns and community education to change societal attitudes towards women.
• 👨‍👦 **Mentorship Programs**: There is a mention of programs aimed at mentoring young men to become better partners and individuals in society.
• 🔄 **Need for Continuous Effort**: The conversation points out that one-off marches and events are not enough; there is a need for sustained, project-driven efforts to engage men.
• ⚖️ **Legal System**: The role of the judicial system in addressing gender-based violence is touched upon, with a call for it to be more effective in dealing with perpetrators.
• 💪 **Strength and Resilience**: The script ends with a message of strength and resilience for women, encouraging them to stand up against abuse and seek help.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the march against gender-based violence in Johannesburg?

The march aimed to protest against the recent murders of women and to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa.

How were the victims of the recent murders described in the script?

The victims were described as being brutally murdered, with one found hanging from a tree with stab wounds and pregnant, and another's body was found dumped.

What historical context was provided regarding gender-based violence in South Africa?

The script mentioned past incidents of violence against women, including the murder of a 14-year-old girl and a 98-year-old woman in the Eastern Cape, indicating that the issue is longstanding and not new to 2020.

What is the characterization of being a woman in South Africa as per the script?

Being a woman in South Africa is described as being a 'working zombie' or a 'shadow that can disappear at any minute,' highlighting the constant threat and fear they live under.

What role do men have in addressing the issue according to the activists in the script?

Activists emphasized that men in South Africa need to change their actions, speak up against abuse, and not remain silent or complicit in the face of violence against women.

What is the criticism of the Commission for Gender Equality as mentioned in the script?

The criticism is that the Commission for Gender Equality is not effectively fulfilling its mandate to educate communities and create awareness campaigns, and is only reactive after incidents of violence occur.

What are some of the programs mentioned to address the behavior of young boys in South Africa?

The script refers to programs that aim to groom young boys to become better partners and individuals, and the need for more initiatives to educate them on respecting women and changing societal norms.

How does the script suggest changing the mindset of men towards women?

The script suggests that men need to be educated to understand that they do not own women and that violence is never a justifiable response, and that this education should start from a young age.

What is the role of family structure and upbringing in perpetuating violence as discussed in the script?

The script indicates that single-parent homes and exposure to violence during upbringing can lead boys to become violent adults, and there is a call to engage with these boys and provide positive role models and education.

What advice does the script offer to women who feel they might be in a dangerous situation?

The advice given is for women to recognize the signs of potential violence and to leave such situations, emphasizing that abusers rarely change and that women's lives are paramount.

What is the final message to women from the activists in the script?

The final message is one of strength and resilience, encouraging women to stand together, support each other, and continue fighting against gender-based violence despite the challenges.