Do South African citizens respect women?

“In order for one to be respected, one needs to respect and treat other people the way the person would want to be treated. There are so many campaigns to encourage males to stop abusing women and children in the country. We are being empowered to become leaders of a gender-balanced society through active participation in eradicating the practice of rape. People respect women in our community and , they should in return, start respecting themselves by stopping the idea of dumping our babies in the bushes or rubbish dumps. I honestly respect women, if they honestly respect themselves,” he said.

“South Africa has a high rate of rape, and it shows clearly that the majority of males in our country do not have respect for women. The even rape our you girls, and do not care or think about their future. Men should give respect so that they could have respect from women,” said Herbert Shai.

Palesa Makhoba said that she has lost hope that men would ever respect women. “Some men still prefer to force themselves and rape women, even young girls. Respect is not deserved, it is earned. Some people think that if they are nice and thoughtful toward women, they should be respected. Respect is what makes a person listen to you, and follow your lead. If men in their homes want women to respect them, they should have integrity,” she said.

“I honestly respect women, as I regard them as our mothers, wives and children. I am just disappointed by men who still force themselves on women. They deserve all the respect, as we are born from them. Just imagine a home without a woman, how would it be and look like? I think we are nothing without them. They are able to bring happiness where there is none. Women tolerate situations which we men are incapable to tolerate. People who do not respect women, I believe they live in fear and insecurity,” said Richard Chauke.

“Women are not respected as the country keeps on leading with high statistics of rape. Respecting a woman is about protecting them. It is about keeping them safe and unharmed. Why should some men still rape and kill women in the country? Some women live in fear of their own partners and tolerate the abuse by keeping silent, and pretend as if everything is okay while it isnot. We still read articles whereby a male killed or burnt his partner, only because the womann was unhappy with the relationship and decided to move on. I understand men should take charge in their homes, but should also respect their women,” said Stan Motebejane.

“Seeing a person as a person rather than gender is respect. There sis nothing that makes me feel more disrespected than having a conversation with a man and realises that he is discounting everything. I say people must just respect each other equally, regardless of sex, race or age. Valuing a woman’s accomplishments and talents is respect,” said Alice Sejane.