Be part of the change you want to see

MEMBERS of the newly formed NPO, Asante Gender Action, are on a mission to develop positive gender identity and advocate for and work towards ending gender-based violence (GBV).

The organisation revealed they are focussed on three areas which are prevention, action research and women economic empowerment.

ALSO READ: City takes a stand against Gender Based Violence

Founder and Upper Highway resident, Gil Harper has been involved in gender-related issues for most of her career, either working on a feminist media project or showcasing her skills in corporate public relations, parastatal enterprises and the NGO sector.

Chairperson, Neli Mncube from Pinetown is passionate about women empowerment and strongly believes that to make a difference you have to be the change you want to see.

Mncube said it is important to create safe spaces for women in communities and work spaces.

“An empowered women is more likely to take care of herself or see abuse signs early and take action.”

Harper said it is concerning that attempts to empower women without including men in re-organising and re-engineering gender identity, can in fact entrench the cycle of inequality and domination.

To discredit and discard toxic masculinities means that we need to have alternatives to consider and test out.

ALSO READ: SPAR donates R500 000 towards fight against gender-based violence

“Our programmes aim to co-create new norms, new identities and forge relationships based on human dignity. We need new ways and innovation to shape a future of positive gender identity, equality for all,” said Harper.

The group said they will be working with high school learners and will also bring parents on board.

“We hope to partner with different NGOs, stakeholders and the communities to make this a success and bring about positive change. It’s still early days and we are calling on people who have the same vision to partner with us,” said Mncube.

Harper said their organisation is balanced as the board consists of five members, represented by both men and women.

Other board members include, Sherwin Nel, Aron Courton and Thuks Khanyile.

To get in touch, email gilh@asantegender.org.

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