Kruger National Park takes on GBV
The Gender and Equality Commission (CGE) in Limpopo, partnered with the Kruger National Park to conduct a roadshow on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) recently.
The aim of the campaign was to sensitise employees on the impacts of GBVF in society.
“As the KNP we are duty bound to communicate with fellow employees not only on issues that are work-related but also that focus on job content.
“Its our duty to prepare and provide a safe working environment within which the employees will feel safe, feel protected and more importantly be empowered.
“We have come to recognise that GBV has no respect of geographic boundaries.
It not only encroaches into homes, but is also present at work. We have experienced shocking incidents of GBV and as usual women and children were hugely affected.
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“We then invited the commission to our shores to raise awareness on GBV and sensitise staff on GBV which in the work place amounts to sexual harassment,” explained Solly Shakwane, KNP transformation manager.
The CGE Limpopo office held the workshops in the northern camps of Punda Maria, Shingwedzi, Mopani, Letaba and Olifants.
Meanwhile the Mpumalanga office will also conduct a workshop at the southern camps this week.
Some of the topics which were discussed were gender inequality and traditional attitudes towards women as the root cause of GBVF.
Sexual harassment in the work place also formed part of the sessions.
Nkhensani Hlekane, Limpopo education officer told the Herald that the initiative was fruitful.
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“We also managed talk to employees who had personal challenges. Where we couldn’t assist, we referred them to the relevant people.
“I believe that perceptions and stereotypes have been changed, employees in the KNP will be ambassadors of change in fighting the scourge of GBVF inside the park and in their families and communities. Hlekane added.
Shakwane said that he hopes that these educational talks will not only benefit the employer for having a free-GBV environment.
It will also assist communities where they reside by further spreading the GBV awareness gospel and to report perpetrators of GBV and sexual harassment irrespective of where it takes place.
Contact the commission by calling 015 291 3707 0r toll free 0800 007 709 or visit www.gec.co.za.
