Generation G Leads Orange Farm Community Dialogue to Empower Youth in Combating Gender-Based Violence - By Ntsiki Khunju

Igniting conversations that call for the prevention of gender-based violence in the Orange Farm community

By Ntsiki Khunju

On May 23, 2024, the youth of Orange Farm gathered for a pivotal community dialogue aimed at addressing the pressing issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and developing gender-transformative approaches. While the country buzzed with election fever and the chaos of striking waste management workers from Pikitup, this community chose to focus on a significant social ill that continues to tear their society apart. This event, spearheaded by Generation G a coalition of Activate! Change Drivers, ActionAid, and Sonke Gender Justice, was a testament to the power of youth activism and community solidarity.

Generation G held a community dialogue with the diverse youth of Orange Farm at the Orange Farm Dipontsho Community Center, an NGO that focuses primarily on providing social services to the differently-abled community, to engage in conversations that tackled disabling toxic gender norms and provided a space that is fertile soil for the development of gender-transformative approaches, both domestically and in the greater community. The engagement had drawn a diverse group of young people, community leaders, and activists, all playing a significant role in charging the atmosphere with a sense of purpose and determination. Young people recognized the gravity of GBV in their community and the urgent need for transformative strategies to combat it.

Empowering Action Against GBV Through Art and Open Discussion

The dialogue began with a beautiful opening by Nkokheli Mankayi, a Generation G project lead and staunch HIV, gender, and sexual and reproductive health and rights activist, who also forms part of the Activate! network, calling for young people to take ownership of the space and engage freely without any fear of prejudice. Nkokheli’s opening set the tone for the day, highlighting the need for a collective effort to address the root causes of GBV and to pioneer action that transcends the borders of the dialogue to bring about change in the lives of the Orange Farm residents and set a tone of precedence amongst other challenges faced by the South African community at large.

Following the opening, attendees were spoilt to a powerful theatrical performance by Democracy on Stage, a short skit that highlighted the various manners in which traditionally young people demonstrated frustration with the government through violent strikes and sought to shine the light on how voting remains one of the most effective ways of ensuring that communities are governed by candidates of their choice- whose agenda speaks to the needs of the people at the grassroots level. Following the performance, attendees were divided into various groups to participate in breakout sessions focused on various aspects of GBV, including the prevention of GBV, support for survivors, and challenging toxic gender norms and stereotypes. These sessions were designed to encourage open and honest discussions, allowing young people to share their experiences and ideas about the subject matter.

One of the imperative themes that were addressed in these sessions was the importance of educating the community about GBV and raising awareness of the various red flags as part of prevention. Many participants noted that a lack of understanding of gender roles and stereotypes contributes to the fuelling of GBV. They emphasized the need for comprehensive education programs that challenge traditional gender norms and promote respect and equality for all. As part of the conversation addressing gender-based violence, the community raised the critical aspect of including men and boys in these conversations, to ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone has an important role to play in combating GBV. Attendees discussed the importance of engaging men and boys in conversations about gender equality and encouraging them to become allies in the fight against this social ill.

The dialogue also addressed the need for better support systems for survivors of GBV. The Orange Farm community has only one police station that services the entire community, something that young people feel should be rectified, seeing how great the area is and that having just one police station to service the entire Orange Farm community is not feasible. Participants called for more accessible services, including counseling, legal assistance, and safe spaces. They stressed the importance of creating an environment where survivors feel supported and empowered to seek help.

Part of the main themes addressed in the dialogue were the subject of consent, emphasizing the importance of clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement in all interactions. The young people of Orange Farm discussed scenarios to understand the nuances of consent better, highlighting that consent must be given freely without any form of pressure or manipulation.

Following this, the discussion shifted to the components of a healthy relationship. The youth identified key elements such as mutual respect, trust, communication, and equality. They stressed the importance of setting boundaries, understanding personal limits, and maintaining open lines of communication with their partners.

Youth finding solutions to address prominent challenges in the community

As the day progressed, it became clear that the youth of Orange Farm were not just talking about problems but were committed to finding solutions. Throughout the dialogue, participants shared personal experiences and insights, fostering a supportive community atmosphere. They also explored ways to promote these values among their peers, suggesting workshops and awareness campaigns. By the end of the session, the young people of Orange Farm had not only deepened their understanding of GBV and the importance of disabling toxic gender norms to work towards a gender-transformed society but also strengthened their commitment to fostering a culture of respect and equality in their community. They brainstormed practical strategies for implementing gender-transformative approaches in their community. These included organizing workshops and training sessions on gender equality, creating awareness campaigns, and partnering with local organizations to provide resources and support for survivors.

The community dialogue in Orange Farm was more than just a discussion; it was a call to action. It demonstrated the power of youth leadership and community solidarity in addressing complex social issues. By coming together, sharing their experiences, and developing practical strategies, the youth of Orange Farm have taken a significant step towards creating a gender-transformative community. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Orange Farm, one where young people are leading the charge toward a more equitable and just society.

What’s next on the GenG plate?

The Generation G team is far from concluding their agenda to challenge GBV, enforce and promote gender-transformative approaches, and bring about the change they demand to see in their communities. Sharing some of the key projects to look out for next, Nkokheli Mankayi excitedly lets us in on one of their passion projects, a short film production that echoes feminist voices and experiences, set to screen in August of 2024. They also take us through the #PhumaMfazi project, a campaign that encourages and empowers women to leave abusive relationships. Mankayi also shares that the coalition is ready to launch the GenG App, an application that will provide an all-round service linkage for survivors of GBV. Nkokheli stresses that Generation G will not be seen for the last time in the communities they run these dialogues, as they are committed to continuing to monitor inclusive youth participation in all areas where GBV remains a plague.

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About the author:

Ntsiki Khunju is a member of ACTIVATE! Change Drivers Writer’s Hub. She is a content creator, narrator, and spoken word artist.