By Refilwe Mphirime
The Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Provincial Men’s Forum, held a two-day workshop in Kimberly to address issues of gender based violence, which the president declared a second pandemic.
The workshop was attended by representatives from different Men’s forums, parolees, including the Commissioner for Gender Equality Mbuyiselo Bota. In her opening remarks, Head of the Department for Social Development, Hendrina Samson, said, “in the next two days we are going to leave with a clear goal which will lead to transformation.” She added that such platforms’ essence is to confront and develop solutions regarding challenges facing women and children and for men to choose to be different.
The Acting CEO of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, Dr Lemmy Kantani stated, “you cannot define a man without referencing a woman.”
Reverend Lephoi Ntelekoa from the Methodist Church spoke about making the church a haven for victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). “The danger is in silence. When you keep quiet, you become an accomplice. The church is influenced by what happens in the community. It only becomes a safe space when God is at the center,” explained Rev Ntelekoa. He also encouraged men ,“to be men of substance with good, progressive thinking.”
“Fathers, father your sons and mothers mother, your sons,” said a parolee.
Ambassador Gustav Wilson pleaded with men to accept that when a woman says no, it means no.
The Northern Cape MEC of Social Development, Nontobeko Vilakazi, reflected on what the parolee said and added, “we need to bring perpetrators of gender-based violence on board. The focus cannot just be on victims.” Vilakazi reiterated that it is essential to tackle problems and identify solutions.
The delegates broke into commissions. They tackled Re-integration, Moral Regeneration, Breaking the cycle of GBVF, Men’s Health Talk, and Challenges faced by the criminal justice system in addressing GBVF.
The purpose of these discussions was to develop solutions regarding each issue and the root of gender-based violence and femicide. The findings will be compiled into a report and presented to the relevant parties, including The Northern Cape MEC of Social Development.
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