Men must say no to violence

ONE to One Africa collaborated with 16 men from diverse backgrounds to pledge their support and take responsibility in the fight to end gender-based violence (GBV).

In 2014, One to One Africa was established with the aim of directly implementing programmes in South Africa. As the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign ends this weekend, One to One Africa has called on men to rise above the narrow view of communities that still harm their mothers and daughters.

The organisation said this was a reminder to South African men that taking responsibility for their actions during the 16 Days Activism should not only be for a few days, but something they need to do every day of the year.

It said the festive season was often a time when drinking alcohol could get out of hand, resulting in many women and children suffering from physical abuse.

One to One Africa executive director Gqibelo Dandala said women alone cannot stop the violence against them, which is why the organisation believed it was important that men and boys engaged in ending GBV.

Dandala said a study in 2010 in Gauteng showed 76% of men admitted to being perpetrators of GBV at some point in their lives. She said a massive part of reducing these statistics was getting men involved in driving solutions to end the violence.

“According to SAPS crime stats, in 2019 to 2020, 53 293 sexual offences were reported, most of which were rape, which means there were an average of 146 cases a day. During this same time, 2 695 women were murdered, which means every three hours a woman is murdered in our country,” said Dandala.

She added that the scariest part was that the number increased annually.

Many women and children live in constant fear. “According to Stats SA, the South African femicide rate is five times higher than global averages. According to the Africa Health Organisation, violence in South African women’s lives is ranked as higher risk than smoking, obesity or high blood pressure as a contributor of death, disability and illness,” read the statement.