Community women in Makokoba use drama to explain GBV

Reports have shown that in times of crises, the numbers of Gender Based Violence cases rise, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports from those on the front lines, have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified thus raising awareness to end GBV is much needed.

Civil Society Organizations and the world at large are marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence from 25 November to 10 December 2021, under the global theme “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”.

 It is against this background that Ward Coordinator, Thandi Moyo from Makokoba facilitated a GBV awareness outreach which was held at Makokoba Stanley Hall. The meeting was graced by community women who are keen to end and prevent all forms of violence against women in their area.

“COVID-19 caused cases of GBV to rise considering that families were now spending more time together due to lockdown restrictions thus there is need for a global collective effort to stop it,” said Thandi Moyo.

Participants also called for the involvement of men in tackling gender-based violence considering that they have been ignored as part of the solution.

“Men are often labelled as perpetrators of violence, but they are too infrequently considered as potential victims, or as partners and actors in the fight against violence,” said one of the participants.

Participants showcased how GBV affects their day to day lives through the use of visual arts. Women who attended the awareness articulated that, arts have avenues that appeal to the human mind of reason, the heart of emotion and soul of conscience thus using it as a tool to stop GBV was indeed vital.

The visual art performances harnessed visual aspects that appeal to thought and empathy and this was used to start conversations about GBV, and therefore, break the silence.