#16DaysofActivism: Activist raises red flag on GBV

EACH year, South Africa commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign from November 25 to December 10.

The theme for 2021 is The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke – 16 Days of Activism – moving from awareness to accountability.

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Cowies Hill resident and anti-gender-based violence activist, Sihle Mkhize said the concept of 16 Days of Activism resonates with her as it is an initiative for women by women.

“I love that it started in one corner of the world with women who recognised the need for women to be treated better by society, and that it spread across the world to make a difference in many women’s lives through empowerment initiatives, social awareness and real change at the level of policy and governance,” she said.

Mkhize said the thought that goes into the different themes selected every year is impeccable, adding that the themes tend to speak to the heart of the issue of gender-based violence.

She is also the co-founder of Makeda Concepts, a wholeness and wellness company that focuses on healing through mental wellness products and services such as the self-published books, The Vision Journal and Oksalayo I’m Worthy journal.

“The conversations that take place at the various summits and conferences are so important. These conversations carry the potential to change the way coming generations think of women. At the moment, I think it could be argued that the world we live in is kind to men because it esteems men highly, while it is cruel to or, at best, tolerant of women,” she said.

According to Mkhize, there is much room for improvement in the dissemination of the ideas discussed and understanding gained through the various initiatives on 16 Days of Activism.

“I think most people, specifically in South Africa, don’t really know what it is about. We don’t know what is discussed at the summits or how it affects us,” she added.

When asked how she thought gender based-violence and femicide could be ended in our country, she said there needs to be a collective shift in perspective.

“Patriarchy has been prevalent for so long that we cannot even see its effect anymore. There are things that seem normal to us that are actually wild, if you think about it. Like a girl being told not to report sexual violence because the perpetrator provides for the family financially, or has a budding career that would be tainted by the accusation. These are things that happen all the time and are deemed acceptable by an alarming number of people,” she pointed out.

She added that society needs to understand that men are not superior.

Mkhize told the Highway Mail that she must have inherited feminism and activism from her mother. In high school, before she understood patriarchy and feminism and gender-based violence, she wrote poems about women.

“I’ve been involved in a number of initiatives for women’s rights and their empowerment and emancipation. I march, donate and advocate for women where I live and work and worship. Any time I can get involved in an initiative that stands to better the lives of women, I do,” she said.

During the 16-day period, the Government, together with civil society and the private sector, will host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort to deal with GBVF.

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