Men join in the fight against gender-based violence
Men become involved in the fight against gender-based violence as another way of dealing with the issue.
ONE to One Africa has initiated a different approach to eliminating gender-based violence (GBV). With the prevailing cases of GBV in South Africa, men are called to rise and be accountable, and also to be part of the fight against GBV.
In this initiative’s plea, One to One Africa raises important issues. The organisation stated that South Africa has a global legacy as it has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. The dark side of our country is overwhelmingly clear when it comes to issues of gender-based violence.
According to StatsSA, the South African femicide rate is five times higher than global averages.
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According to the Africa Health Organisation, violence in South African women’s lives is ranked as a higher risk than smoking or high blood pressure as a contributor to death, disability, and illness.
One to One Africa executive director Gqibelo Dandala said women alone cannot stop the violence against them, which is why we at One to One Africa believe it is vital that we now engage men and boys to end gender-based violence.
“Men, more than women, teach boys how to ‘be a man’. Fathers show sons how to treat women and girls. Those with the power and influence in our society are usually still men. With this in mind, during this year’s 16 Days of Activism, One to One Africa wants to activate awareness within the South African male population so they will pledge their voices and take responsibility in the fight to end gender-based violence,” said Dandala.
To cement this initiative, the organisation will be collaborating with 16 men from a diverse range of backgrounds – these are the men who are saying ‘no’ to violence against women.
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