Powa hosts men's dialogue on GBV

People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa) hosted one of its largest men's dialogues on March 18 at the Rabasotho Civic Centre in Thembisa.
Members of the community and stakeholders, including CPF, the SAPS, Thembisa Local Taxi Association and Thembisa Child and Family Welfare Society, attended the event, which aimed to engage men and boys on issues of GBV and encouraged them to speak out if they are experiencing problems.
Sidwell Sehoana of Agisanang Domestic Abuse Prevention and Training (ADAPT), which provides counselling to men who abuse and men who have been abused, facilitated the event.
On the panel of speakers were Mbuyiselo Botha of the South African Men’s Forum, Piet Tshabalala of the Thembisa Local Taxi Association, Tebogo Mokhotho from NACWA, Victor Kopotsa of the Thembisa Men’s Forum, Bishop Kubheka, Given Ndlela of Sadag and Capt Mabelebele of the SAPS.
The #EndDomesticSilence effort, led by Unilever tea brand Joko, in collaboration with Powa, included this Men's Dialogue.
The project, which was launched in 2019, aims to break the silence surrounding domestic violence through speaking out, reporting, awareness and education.
“Through the debate, we were encouraging men to question patriarchy and socialisation that puts them in a position of privilege that excludes women and fuels GBV,” said Jeanette Sera, Powa's acting executive director.
The discussion highlighted the need to address the root causes of GBV, that low self-esteem fuels violence, the importance of raising girls to be self-sufficient and the need to confront issues.
Talks also focused on the identity of a good man, and those in attendance discussed the significance of examining how we raise boys.
Kubheka, who also serves as a marital counsellor and officer, said the high levels of inequality in SA and its violent past contribute to GBV in our communities.
“I’m glad the participation at the event was high, and that people paid attention to what was being said,” said Kubheka.
“This was a constructive, eye-opening programme that will assist in transforming the mindsets of men by educating them,” said Jabulani Mojapelo of the CPF.
Patricia Naha, Powa's project assistant and one of the event's organisers, was pleased that it provided a safe venue for men to discuss topics that affect them.