This has resulted in the spiralling rate of gender based violence across the country, which adds to the further deterioration of society. Unless they stand together and embark on a revolution, nothing will change the status quo. They made reference to the Treatment Action Campaign which amassed resources and challenged government in court for the historic roll-out of antiretroviral drugs to HIV and AIDS patients.
The study found among other things that there are good policies and legislations to fight gender based violence but they lacked implementation and therefore civil society organisation need to work together and advocate speedy and effective implementation of such laws and policies.
“This is the common problem that needs multiple partners… It is also very important that we learn from what happened towards the HIV dilemma to force change on the policy around treatment,” said Lebogang Ramafoko, CEO for Soul City.
Mbuyiselo Botha from Sonke Gender Justice called for men to be included in the fight against gender based violence “Our view is that working with men and boys will make them realise that gender based violence is not a women’s issue but a societal issue and men are included and men are the ones who are violent,” he said.
Original article by By Ramatamo Wa Matamong for Greater Alex Today
Soul City recently hosted a Panel Discussion on Gender based Violence. Find out more about it by clicking here.