Diepsloot Youth Programme join forces with SA Youth Movement to combat the scourge of GBV

The Diepsloot Youth Programme non-profit organisation in partnership with South African Youth Movement hosted a men’s dialogue event to discuss ways to fight gender-based violence.

According to the event coordinator and member of Diepsloot Youth Programme, Babikie Sathekge the event was aimed at bringing men together, young and old to have a frank conversation about the gender-based violence ‘pandemic’ and its effects in society.

The event that was held at Diepsloot Youth Centre to wrap up the 16 Days of Activism on 10 December, kick started with a drama portraying what victims go through in the process of abuse.

“Our theme for this event was Men as Equal Partners Indaba. The aim of the event was to raise awareness about the scourge of gender-based violence among men and encourage a frank dialogue between young and old on this pandemic. If we are able to teach them at a young age, we will be able to win this battle. We want men to be at the forefront of this battle in order to win it,” Sathekge said.

Diepsloot Police Station spokesperson, Captain Tinyiko Mathibela outlined a number of issues and challenges that made it difficult for the police to root out ‘bad potatoes’ in the community.

“One of the challenges we are facing is that some victims will open cases and later withdraw them because of pressure they get from their families. Neighbours and community members also play a role in perpetrating this crime by keeping quiet when someone is being abused, and they know. We appeal to every community member to come in the party by reporting gender-based violence to the police,” Mathebula said.

The event ended with candle lighting and men attending the event pledging to join in the fight against gender-based violence.