Sixteen Days of activism for no violence against women and children: The role of men in combating gender-based violence and femicide
The problem of gender-based violence in South Africa will not be resolved as long as Members of Parliament cannot set an example of how not to treat each other.
It is crucially important to not only curb individual incidents of violence, but also the systemic forms thereof.
Too often there is a culture of incitement, division, violence, racism and slandering in Parliament which sends the message to society in general that such behaviour is acceptable and the norm in South Africa.
As Members of Parliament, we should set an example with meaningful debate on the future, and refrain from shifting the blame and senseless insults.
Violence against women and children has a multidimensional impact on the overall health of an economy, both in the short and long term.
In the short term, abused women will most probably work less hours and be less productive when working.
In the long term, high levels of domestic violence could drastically reduce the number of women in the workforce, and prevent women from learning skills and receiving training.
In general, it could hamper investment seeing as more public resources will have to be channelled to health and legal services.
Violence against women and children knows no bounds, whether geographical or cultural – however, the indigent often experience higher levels of abuse.
Men are also subject to various forms of violence ranging from sexual assault and racism to homophobia, classism and poverty.
In order to create a meaningful movement to put an end to violence, all forms of violence should be addressed.
Men should take responsibility for the power they possess, their actions and behaviour.
Everyone, regardless of race or gender, should ask themselves whether they are contributing to violence in some or other way, either by speaking or keeping silent.
South African men and women should reflect on and reconsider their views on violence. Together, we can eradicate the plague of gender-based violence in South Africa.
