Youth take a stand against GBV and say enough is enough
The young people of Durban South are saying enough is enough by becoming informed about the growing issues of GBV in communities.
YOUNG people across the Durban South community are stepping forward, learning and speaking out on GBV, proving that the fight for safety and justice does not only involve adults.
Also read: Anti-GBV run unites Wentworth community
The youth participated in creative classroom projects with frank discussion sessions in order to educate themselves on how to challenge abuse and support survivors.
Collingwood Primary School
At Collingwood Primary School, the Grade 2C boys bravely joined the national movement against GBV with a creative arts project called “The Woman in Purple.” According to their teacher, Trevan Soobramoney, this project inspires young boys to be allies and protectors, rather than bystanders.
“Each boy has designed a woman in purple using different shades of skin tones to represent all the races and backgrounds of women affected by violence in South Africa,” said Soobramoney.
Bayanda Khumalo, Siphosethu Khwela, Andile Ntuli and Velemseni Cele, with their artwork. Photo: Supplied.
He added that the artwork is a striking reminder that GBV affects women from all walks of life, and that men and boys share the responsibility to stand up, speak out, and protect.
“Through this project, the boys and I wanted to show that real men respect, support and uplift women. Purple stands for courage and these young boys are showing just that,” he said.
The Abbaquar San Dream Centre
While the younger learners of Collingwood expressed their message through art, older youth at Abbaquar San Dream Centre engaged in deeper conversation and education on the subject. Dyllón Jones, a youth leader, said the initiative was driven by the realities many children face daily.
Also read: Community uniting against GBV
“Primarily, the amount of our children coming from broken households have mothers and sisters experiencing such issues. We wanted to ensure that they know they have a safe space and a person they can reach out to when they are ever in a situation where they experience such. With all the other trauma they go through inside the community, we have a responsibility to help wherever and however we can. Prevention is always better than cure,” said Jones.
The open dialogue gave the youth the opportunity to express what they knew about GBV and allowed them to share personal concerns or experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Jones said they also covered understanding one’s boundaries, what it means to cross those boundaries and responsibly reporting abuse.
“We gave them a little info booklet with safe numbers, alongside members and spaces in the community who would help and provide refuge if they or their family ever need it. Getting them aware and involved as young as some of them may be, it ensures that they have the tools and means to deal with such as they grow into young adults,” said Jones.
As GBV continues to become a growing trend in communities across the country and the Durban South, such interventions are a reminder of the effectiveness of early prevention.
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