SGBV discussions important for ending GBV- Community women

Sexual and gender-based violence is regarded as a real community issue affecting everyone and women from Makokoba and Mpopoma have noted that more conversations on SGBV may deter and reduce GBV.

It is against this background that WILD through their Ward Coordinators, Lezina Mohammed and Patricia Tshabalala conducted GBV awareness programmes in Mpopoma and Makokoba suburbs.

In Mpopoma, women were taught on gender-based violence by a representative from Musasa who explained the different types of abuses ranging from rape, physical violence, denial of resources and opportunities and harmful traditional practices such as early marriages. WILD representative Bridgette Ndlovu explained the impact of GBV on women’s participation in political and electoral processes.

“It is essential for women to report GBV and actively seek gender-based violence responses services as well as promote gender-based violence prevention. This will ensure that women can participate actively in electoral processes without fear. When a woman is abused, they often lack confidence to participate and this is not what we want,” she said.

In Makokoba, women from the Methodist Church were enlightened on GBV causes and impact. Women articulated that because of stigma and lack of consensus in the church sector, it is often lost in the global dialogue considering that congregants are more focused on faith-based issues rather than social life.

“The lack of attention to this important issue both by the church and secular society has left thousands of people being abused and perpetrators getting away with it without justice prevailing. if we continue to have these discussions, this may deter perpertrators of GBV,” said Lezina the facilitator.

Women were of the view that gender-based violence initiatives would be incomplete and ineffective if not accompanied with prevention activities. These preventative actions range from awareness raising about what gender-based violence is and what people’s rights are, to supporting community-led initiatives and women’s rights groups in their efforts to reduce gender-based violence.

Women from the Methodist church called for the inclusion of men and boys in the fight of GBV.

“Stripping away toxic masculinity is vital in preventing GBV thus inclusion of men is much important,” said one of the participants.

Participants recommended that local organisations should constantly conduct these outreach activities with communities, to raise awareness of human rights and gender equality issues and promote discussions on gender-based violence prevention and response.

“These activities can increase trust in the police, and should also ensure that community members and organizations are aware of the responsibilities of security personnel with respect to the issue,” said one of the participants.