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News: One Man Can Campaign Toolkit Launched |
Gender violence and inequality is one of the root causes of the rapid spread of HIV in South Africa. Almost one third of sexually experienced women (31%) have reported that they did not want to have their first sexual encounter and that they were coerced into sex. Young women are thus extremely vulnerable to infection and account for 77% of South African youth between the ages of 15 and 24 infected with HIV and AIDS.
Men have an essential role to play in reducing violence against women. Issues of power and beliefs that real men express themselves through violence and aggression all contribute to the high rates of violence in this country. These beliefs and stereotypes need to be challenged.
Bafana Khumalo, co-director of the Sonke Gender Justice Network notes, "Gender transformation is good for men as well. And as men we need to take a stand on these issues and make a difference."
The One Man Can campaign calls on:
* teachers to encourage boys and men to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence, and make schools safer
* coaches to teach their athletes to treat women with honour and respect
* fathers to be positive role models, and educate their children early and often
* religious leaders to raise awareness in churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship, and to encourage the men in their congregations to be more active in ending violence against women and children
* youth to show their strength and take a stand challenging violence against women
* men to build healthy relationships with women, support survivors of violence, support law reform and challenge other men to make a difference.
Enquiries:
Sonke Gender Justice
Tel: (011) 544 1900
E-mail:
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Issued by: Western Cape Provincial Government
Gender Justice One Man Can Campaign
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