Youth meet to discuss gender-based violence
The aim of the initiative was to create a platform for the youth to think critically and to challenge themselves, and each other, to investigate causes and potential solutions to the epidemic of intimate partner abuse
Youth activism group Interconnect, based in Etwatwa, hosted an event titled #SayHerName as part of an initiative to raise awareness about partner abuse, on December 14.
“The #SayHerName programme is a youth interactive session designed to allow young voices from in and around Etwatwa to engage in relevant content ranging from intersecting issues regarding health and inter-partner abuse, “ explained entrepreneur and social activist, Mncedisi Sipho Thanjekwayo.
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Thanjekwayo, who is a key force behind Interconnect, said the programme would also assist the youth in understanding both the justice system and the way in which society may interact with rape victims and perpetrators.
“The objective is allowing the youth to take the initiative and continue the conversation around rape culture so as to allow them to initiate tangible change in their communities.
“The event is a peer group discussion based on gender-based violence, femicide and rape culture.
“It has been uniquely constructed to ensure that it differs from generic lectures where content is dictated rather than absorbed.
“Conversations around these issues are personal and don’t exist in ethereal space and thus should be treated as such.
“Interconnect seeks to create a safe space for those involved to voice not only their opinions but experiences too.”
Thanjekwayo explained that the movement originated in America but was later adapted by Interconnect in light of the commonalities and the objectives and issues it identifies.
“The organisation is based in four provinces of Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape and is influenced by the US-based National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
“These youth Siyabonga Mtshali of KwaZulu Natal, Sipho Thanjekwayo of Gauteng, Etwatwa, Madzanga Ramabulana of Limpopo and Naledi Sinandile of Western Cape, each pledged to create substantive change in their provinces.
The initiative is designed to allow for the cross-pollination of activism between the selected youth from SA and the US.
Major highlights of the event included a talk from a representative of the Daveyton Gender-based Violence Victim Centre, poetry pieces read by Etwatwa young artists and practical activities aimed at solution development.
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