ENSafrica tackles GBV and patriarchy
The role that patriarchal norms play in perpetuating the abuse of women was explored in a recent workshop conducted by ENSafrica.
Patriarchal norms are said to underpin domestic and gender-based violence by reinforcing power imbalances that favour men and lead to the control and abuse of women.
Kgotso Nokane from Adapt says these norms legitimise violence as a means of maintaining male dominance, normalising such behaviour and silencing victims.
Nokane discussed the need for men to examine their behaviour and challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours they may have learned from their families and communities.
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“I urge men to be good examples to the new generation by respecting women and stop being violent towards them. If your woman says no, please respect that don’t force yourself on her.
“Show respect to everyone the way you want to be respected, and be in touch with your emotions if you feel like crying let those tears come out – this thing of a man does not cry let’s end it today because we are people with emotions so let’s deal with them before they turn into anger,” Nokane said.
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One of the participants Thumeka Joos said “I do not think GBV will end anytime soon while we have men who still believe in the saying ‘A man does not cry’ while we still have men who do not communicate if something bothers them, men who want to express their emotions physically.”
Pro Bono coordinator at ENSafrica Tsholofelo Mvemve said with this workshop they hope to change people’s mindset regarding what gender is and gender roles in society.
“What we want to achieve with this workshop is to change our mindset about what gender is and how we treat each other as males and females because I think everything starts with our relationships.
“The good and the bad in society when it comes to gender violence starts with relationships and if we address that aspect, people will be able to think out of the box and to see each other as human beings,” she said.
Related article: Men’s Dialogue in Alex seeks to change the negative narrative around men and GBV
