Men put gender-based violence in the spotlight
ALEXANDRA – Alex men take a stand against gender-based violence.
The message, #No Excuse, is adorned on T-shirts worn by men of Alexandra who are taking a stand against gender-based violence (GBV).
Led by Nobuhle Hostel-based non-profit organisation, Takuwani Riime (TshiVenda for Stand Up) the crusaders are saying enough is enough about this self degrading, demeaning and abhorrent conduct by men to victims who expect love, cuddling, protection and nurturing from them.
The organisation was formed October last year to confront gender-based violence which has resulted in many being killed, others maimed and cowering in fear of men daily in the home and community, while others are raped with impunity some through incest deriving from the imbalance in power relations favouring men with a distorted view about themselves. Their conduct is in contravention of equality enshrined in the country’s globally-acclaimed Constitution.
Foundation chairperson Charles Mphephu said, “The degree of gender-based violence by men and reported daily is unacceptable and demand of men to engage in a dialogue on the root cause of their conduct.
“There is no excuse for this abuse and men ought to change and stand against it.”
Mphephu stressed that winning this battle will be in the interest of the country. This said as his executive members hold daily meetings of male recruits who are led through a programme centred on six topics namely:
- Champion men stand for something including fighting gender-based violence, corruption and other wrongs besetting society
- Champion men live authentically, have a goal in life and, know who they are and their roles in society
- Champion men turn the field by taking responsibility for their families
- Champion men mentor the next generation
- Champion men form a band of brothers
- Champion men live for others and are not judgmental.
Mphephu said the executive members were skilled on the topics by NPO, Father A Nation. “We help the recruits to help themselves and others in the pipeline to resolve conflicts peacefully, promote a culture of tolerance, diversity and to rehabilitate.”
This said also in reference to a culture of toyi-toyi he said often resulted in violence and destruction instead of achieving intended positive results to their challenges. “Violence will never be a resolution,” he said.
He added that it drew from most men’s upbringing and some aspects of culture which they misinterpreted resulting in them failing to uphold self-respect and that of others and also property.
He said the attendees at their weekly Thursday meetings at the 8th Avenue Fire Station were keen for change and increasing in number. “We are non-political and discourage any political regalia in order to unite men in one goal of taking responsibility for others, discourage a culture of revenge against each other and violence against women and children.”
Mphephu said they also encouraged them to emulate other humane virtues in women like the freedom to let out grief, stress and trauma through crying than lashing out. “They are warming up to breaking their silence through counselling support to confront and release pent-up anger which inhibits positive co-relations with others.”
He attributed the challenge to lack of guidance and wrong upbringing which many boys emulated thinking it was part of culture to instilling fear as a way to garner respect. “They instead need mentoring on positive conduct which is an attribute for all real men and positive role models.”
Details: Takuwani Riime Foundation 072 500 7686.
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