On 24th August; ACTIVATE! Change Drivers in conjunction with Africa Unite and the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation will convene the A! Gender Based Violence Imbizo aimed at engaging the views of social activists, thought-leaders, experts and practitioners within the sexual health and gender rights sector on effective community-based interventions to address the challenge of gender-based violence in South Africa.

Furthermore, the Imbizo will endeavour to explore opportunities for multi-sector collaborations aimed at addressing the stated challenge of gender based violence.

The South African constitution guarantees equality for women and the LGBTQIA+ community as well as the right to freedom from violence, and access to socio-economic rights such as housing, land, health and fair labour practices. Notwithstanding, the reality that South Africa has some of the most progressive legislation in the whole of Africa; the country continues to experience horrendous gender-based crimes.

While it is commonly accepted that men generally constitute the majority of perpetrators of violence against women, the LGBTQIA+ commonly, men are also victims of violence as experienced within communities across South Africa. While little has been documented regarding men on men violence in South Africa, men are also affected by violence given that the country is generally characterised by high levels of crime and violence.

The various stakeholders expected to contribute to the conversation include the Commission on Gender Equality, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries, Gender Works, the Khayelitsha Peacebuilding Team and STEPS, to name a few.

The month of August marks National Women’s Month in South Africa and essentially sets out to commemorate the 20 000 brave women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in 1956  protesting the apartheid pass laws being extended to black women. Moreover, Women’s Month endeavors to draw attention to the challenges facing women in society in general, including the pressing challenge of gender-based violence.

In light of the above-stated, it would be correct to argue that there is a dire need for communities across South Africa to be empowered to contribute towards enhancing effective community based responses to the challenge of gender based violence.

The A! Gender Based Violence Imbizo will be coordinated under the following arrangements:

Date: 24 August 2017

Venue: Africa Unite

6 Spin Street

Cape Town

Join the conversation and share your perspectives and views on how various sectors of society including government, the private sector, civic society and communities across South Africa can all work towards finding solutions to the challenge of gender based violence.

Ends

Notes to the editor:

ACTIVATE! is a network of young leaders equipped to drive change for the public good across South Africa. Connecting youth who have the skills, sense of self and spark to address tough challenges and initiate innovative and creative solutions that can reshape our society.

For more information on the A! Imbizo:

Events Co-ordinator : Rammolotsi Sothoane

Call: 082 8781 263

Email: rammolotsis@localhost

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