The scourge of gender-based violence in society has been the key focus of school assemblies over the past two weeks at Parktown Boys’ High School.
A core group of concerned Grade 11 learners took the lead in finding a way to speak out against this violence. On 13 September, the group visited sister school Parktown High School for Girls to speak out in an assembly against all forms of gender-based violence.
Maselino Pooe opened the discussion at the assembly by highlighting the stand against gender-based violence taken by the school and acknowledging that it was a men’s issue first and foremost.
Hamzah Patel then addressed the assembly stating that they would read out a pledge made by the boys against gender-based violence and the acceptance of responsibility which goes with this.
The boys read out the #MyPromise pledge promising to stand up and be counted and be accountable.
Following applause from the assembly, Parktown Boys head boy Dean Fin commended the Grade 11s on their initiative and acknowledged that their words were a commitment to change the mindset of patriarchy and entitlement assumed by men and boys for centuries.
During the Friday assembly at Parktown Boys, the #MyPromise pledge was read out by the whole school and signed by boys and male staff. The signed pledge will be delivered to the offices of People Opposing Women Abuse later in the week.
Headmaster Malcolm Williams said he was pleased with the learner-led initiative and the sincerity with which the boys had approached this burning issue.
Williams said, “It is our core values, our DNA, which guides us as we grapple with the challenging issues of wanton acts of violence and xenophobic attacks and gender-based violence, which are currently endemic in our society.”
“To counter all that is ‘toxic masculinity’ we shall continue with our programme of growing our concept of ‘manliness’ founded upon respect for others, authenticity, empathy, compassion, courage, selfhood, resilience and acknowledging the need to speak out when one’s values are compromised. It is this values-based moral leadership which will ensure we ‘grow’ good husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and leaders who make a difference in our school and society.”
A black ribbon has been placed on the Parktown Boys’ crest to mark the school’s stand against all forms of gender-based violence.
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