MEDSA hosts men’s talk during 16 Days of Activism

Men for Development in South Africa (MEDSA) hosted another Men’s Talk at Rabie Ridge Community Hall on November 28. The talk comes during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

MEDSA aims to bring social development to build men in all levels of the society to become responsible, respectful, caring, vigilant, well-behaved and dignified citizens.

Executive director Ozee Phiri said they aim to reduce the rate of violence against women and children and to instill a positive change in men, by educating them on gender socialisation and HIV/Aids.

“We aim to raise awareness on domestic violence, to sensitise men about their role on preventing abuse and to provide counselling, support, and establish male-response groups to fight against social ills, including gender-based violence.”

Other stakeholders invited included People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) and community members. Auxiliary social worker from POWA Connie Dlamini said, during the talk, that violence doesn’t solve anything.

“We shared about the services our organisation offers. They include having a legal department which advocates for women for free in case they are in need of a lawyer. We have a shelter department where we take women through procedures and find them a safe place to stay temporarily, and we provide counselling and equip women with skills for the duration of their stay,” said Dlamini.

Sgt Nwaku Eddie Selotola from Rabie Ridge Police Station said the aim of the event was to discourage men from abusive thoughts because in most cases men are the perpetrators.

“We are saying to the community once they come to the station and open cases, they must not come back to close them because when they drop them, the perpetrator is likely to do more damage the second time,” said Selotola.

“At the police station, we are faced with cases of rape and domestic violence, mostly on weekends. We have a very close relationship with social workers who assist in matters of rape and domestic violence.

“We also urge the community to at least walk at night from clubs, parties and taverns in groups to avoid being mugged, raped, and abused,” concluded Selotola.