Gender Based-Violence (GBV) is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the most human rights violations within our society. Capricorn TVET College hosted GBV silent campaign event in all four (4) campuses aimed at raising awareness on how the fight against GBV could be further strengthened, this included finding causes and solutions on how to defeat this raging war of GBV.
Male students and some staff members attended the event as it shows that the issue of GBV affects both women and men, but majority is women. The champion mentor Mr Rethabeng Mamabolo made sure that everyone has a clear understanding of what GBV is and all attendees were given an opportunity to share their views and experiences of this nightmare.
In trying to find the cause of GBV, other types of violence such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse and neglect were raised. It was highlighted that most perpetrators suffer from delusion, that they are superior to their partners, therefore feel entitled in making decisions on their behalf and act inhuman when things do not go their way.
“The decision to retaliate is often influenced by pride whereby one feels like they are right. Inequality with male perpetrators hiding under the shadow of ‘in our culture’ to cover their wrong doings when violating other people’s rights showed that cultural difference also contributes in this GBV”, said Mr Mamabolo.
Social acceptance by doing what is wrong thinking is right to avoid judgement of the society was also mentioned as one of the factors contributing to the increase in GBV, absence of a father figure in most families and the abuse witnessed by perpetrators at an early stage also have a negative impact on fuelling GBV.
With attendees having different perspectives, it showed that no amount of differences can glorify GBV. Most victims are left with physical disability, low self-confidence, unwanted pregnancy and sexually abused victims are also put under the risk of getting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
Mr Mamabolo further encouraged men to voice out their issues as early as possible and also unite in fighting against the shadow pandemic of GBV. “We need to speak out and help each other as men to understand that problems can be solved without fighting. Men are encouraged to form movements and programmes that aim at combating GBV. We must work with the police and prosecutors to ensure that those who hurt and abuse others are arrested and convicted”.
