The local organisations, YoubeforeMe! and The Immaculate Agate Stone Association hosted an important gender equality debate at the Green Meadows Lifestyle Village on 10 June, planting the seed for discussion on this important social topic.

The two sides of the debate focused on whether women should be the flag-bearers in the fight against gender-based violence or whether men should stand up and take a stand against it. Leroy Mashaya, Johan Koen and Charma du Plessis (men should stand up) went up against Sonique Smith, Mari Clark and Otsile Nkosi (women should stand up). The discussion focused on various points with the audience and viewers at home being able to join the discussion with questions directed to the speakers in the debate.

Some of these points focused on the patriarchal system in society, how men can stand up among their friends and colleagues, the safety of women in society and the importance of women being able to raise their thoughts and change the narrative on an issue affecting them directly.

Atang Swartbooi, the organiser of the event, was pleased with the outcome and stated that a lot of hard work had gone into making it happen.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

“It was a fantastic event and I am thankful to everyone involved who made it happen. It is important that there were a lot of questions and an open discussion about this important topic from young adults and students. Those in attendance even continued the discussion after the official debate was over,” added Swartbooi. He also stated that there was a need for more discussion on various gender equality topics that could not be discussed due to time constraints. He plans to host another event before the end of the year.