​Gender based violence (GBV) in South Africa has been a burning issue that continues to affect many families, directly and indirectly.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), through its Men's Forum, last week Friday, 03 November 2023, hosted men and women gender-based violence dialogue at Umnotho House, Johannesburg.
Speaking at the dialogue Mongezi Mhlanga, who is a member of the forum, said "November is Men's Month, and the Departmental Men's Forum wanted to start the month by showcasing that despite the devastating impact of GBV perpetrated by men, there are also men of integrity, men who can love and support. These men do not hate nor destroy anyone." Mhlanga spoke of the purpose of the event that it was to create a platform for both men and women to engage openly without the fear of being judged about their life experiences, share views on GBV, empower one another in order to deal with myths, triggers and cause of GBV and more importantly to learn from one another in order to avoid perpetrating violence within relationships, marriages, households and to also help build harmonious and functional families.
He added that the dialogue aimed to assist in capacitating the staff about critical issues that directly affect them personally and professionally, which then add problems in their lives and contribute to their frustrations and violence against one another.
These issues included marriages, estates, the importance of having a will, implications of divorce, and the importance of financial planning.
One of the colleagues who attended the dialogue was Kabelo Lebepe, who said he was not aware about the existence of this program. Lebepe said he felt empowered as the dialogue created a platform for issues that mostly affect men. He further said the engagement reminded all that both men and women can be victims of violence.
"We need programs also to provide services and support to male victims of violence, as well as programs aimed at supporting young boys since they have not been given the necessary attention and support in the past", said Lebepe.
Lydia Mutumane, a Social Worker who attended the programme for the first time, applauded the dialogue being inclusive and responsive to both genders.
"I am glad to be here, I felt that this is the most informative program and such dialogues should be done more often so that more of officials can learn and be able to share information with the target beneficiaries of the department, so that we can all contribute to making South Africa a better place for everyone regardless of their gender", said Mutumane.