Many women have died as a result of gender-based violence.
We hear horror stories of how men murder their partners over a mere argument.
However, often, when you check the history of the couple, you will discover that this has been the couple’s lifestyle. She was probably abused regularly but stayed with him because she did not know how to leave him. It is often a situation of economic dependence.
Every year, 16 Days of Activism campaigns create awareness. This year the theme is Count me in: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward.
Protecting women and children should be an everyday act. This year the campaign aims to empower women who have been victims of abuse with socio-economic transformation. The three challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality need to be overcome because they are a breeding ground for violence against women and children.
No human is born an abuser and it’s not only men who are abusers. Women can also be abusers too. Every action has a source. You cannot express love when you have never received love.
Please, don’t misunderstand me – I am not saying if you had a rough childhood it gives you a right to abuse others. But let us really look at these cases and find out the background of the abuser. If abusers do not have proper support structures and don’t address the real reason that causes them to abuse, they will never change.
Society has to stop saying things like ‘men don’t cry’ and ‘you must be tough’. These men become potential abusers because no one taught them how to express themselves and violence becomes the only release for them.
As a society, we allow abuse to happen by turning a blind eye. And, sometimes, we protect people because they are powerful or respected in the community.
No human deserves to be abused.
#saynotoabuse #16DaysofActivism #womenempowerment
