EDITION №04
ADVANCING THE RESPONSE TO GBVF
Made possible by
RESEARCH ON HEALING FROM GBV Now that you have survived the ordeal, how do we heal?
UNHCR Refugee women rebuild their lives with cash assistance from UNHCR’s social services programme
WIISA WOMEN'S CONFERENCE What is the cost of GBV trauma on women in leadership?
in partnership with
DAYS CAMPAIGN
@collectiveactionmagazine
Contributors
Acknowledgments We would like to acknowledge all our contributors for enabling the pan-African and USA expansion of this edition and sharing their insights and wisdom. This edition is dedicated to understanding the drivers of GBVF, Bystanderism is one such enabler. During the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November to 10 December), Collective Action Magazine will be running an End Bystanderism campaign #BeAnActiveAlly #EndGBVF. We call on our community to join us in an Follow us on social media and remember to use the hashtags.
Aisha Bubah Patricia Effiong Merilyn Mushakwa Elizabeth Dartnall Kim Ballantine
Dr. Tina D Lewis Dr. Lisa Charles Dr. Carolyne Wangeci Daniel Mohato Mofokeng
Roslyn Moodley Jennifer Marcus Dr. Erica Sheffield
Tabea Mngadi Glendora Dvine Whitney Coleman Mental Wellness Initiative
Team
Chief Executive Officer Tracey-Lee Kotzen Editor in Chief Hazel Namponya Editorial Team Heidi Schutter Lebohang Mooki Tawanda Simbiri-Musakwa
Tolulope Adeogun By Chris Bischoff Patricia Maphutse Nell-Louise Pollock
Technical Consultants Candice Ludick Gil Harper Video Editing Zach Kotzen
Natalie Ruiters Candice Ludick
Thabo Motshweni Tracey-Lee Kotzen Lebogang Motau Segametsi Ditlhale UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Hazel Namponya
Mental Wellness Initiative NPC Address: 292 Surrey Avenue, Randburg Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Email: media@mwi.org.za Office No.: +27 10 005 5361 /+27 (0) 63 912 8735 Website: www.mwi.org.za/media Editorial Office
@collectiveactionmagazine
In putting the magazine together our focus is always to respond to the question: What are doing to #EndGBVF? This edition is packed with exciting stories and articles on how the sector is rolling up its sleeves and is hard at work in response to this. This edition focuses on the underlying factors and intersectionalities driving GBVF. Bystanderism is one such enabler. Bystanderism is a phenomenon where individuals who witness acts of violence or harassment, or are aware of such incidents, choose not to intervene or take action to help the victim or survivor. As we gear up for 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we call on our community to join us in an End Bystanderism campaign #BeAnActiveAlly #EndGBVF. Follow us on social media @collectiveactionmagazine. Welcome back! It is a pleasure to share with you our 4th Edition Included in this edition are lessons learnt by National Institute Community Development and Management (NICDAM) at Osizweni, a large township in KwaZulu Natal, where the GBVF crisis intersects with the HIV crisis. With the high prevalence of HIV cases and a GBVF hotspot, NICDAM has introduced a collaborative multisectoral programme to address these issues.
Mental Wellness Initiative also shares its summary research findings on healing modalities available in the South African context and the barriers that inhibit healing and behavioural change. Interestingly and shockingly, fear of being judged by others (stigma) provided an enormous barrier to accessing services with 71.6% of respondents rating it as a “big barrier”. A significant driver of GBV is the disempowerment of women. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in South Africa has assisted over 150 refugees and asylum-seekers who are survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and are receiving financial assistance from intervention programmes. Idaya and Dela are beneficiaries, and are now successful business owners through this assistance programme. They share their stories and journeys, which we hope will inspire our readers to donate towards this initiative.
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The footprint of this edition expands as far as the United States of America (USA), with our contributors who are based in the USA sharing their experience with GBV and some of the work they do. As survivors of GBV, these women are now using their stories to empower other women internationally through the Global Women Speakers platform. We hope you find these and other exciting stories in this edition inspiring and informative. caregiving responsibilities with little support, hindering their pursuit of creative careers that demand long hours and travel. We journeyed with Merrilyn Mushakwa, an international art curator, as she shared the impact of gender inequality on women in the creative sector. Funding opportunities often favour creatives under 35, but many women within this age range bear We sat down with Dr Carolyne Wangeci from Kenya, who sheds light on the pressing need to focus on teenage mothers enduring the pain of fistula and boys subjected to rape , requiring reconstructive surgery. Dr Wangeci is establishing a rehabilitation centre to address these critical issues. During the women’s month closeout, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Institute for Pan African Thought Conversations (IPATC), in partnership with Collective Action Magazine, had the privilege of hosting and facilitating this panel, dedicated to addressing the cost of GBV and trauma on women's leadership, innovation, and sustainability. This emotionally charged discussion opened Pandora's box on the real impact of unresolved GBV related trauma and its influence on women in the marketplace.
Hazel Namponya Hazel Namponya - Editor In Chief
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Candid conversations that enlighten and enrich our understanding of
mental health and wellness
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Welcome to edition 4 of what is still the first publication of its kind in the world! We have grown in readership, distribution and participation and are steadily becoming a truly global collaborative platform…all made possible by the collective YOU! HELLO READER As we wind down in 2023, with 11 months in the rear-view mirror, it does not escape me how tired we are as a sector. I find myself keenly anticipating a moment in which things quieten down sufficiently for us to breathe, rest and rejuvenate and I, for one, am really frustrated with the feeling of always running on empty. I sometimes joke that I’m running on grace because I’ve run out of fuel, but it is truer than I honestly want to admit. This has brought me to thinking about self-care. It’s a notion that we scatter around like confetti – a quick one liner to temporarily brighten up the inner space, but then within minutes it’s blown away by the winds of circumstance. Earlier this year MWI published the summary findings of a national research project on healing and GBV. Within those findings a devastating insight emerged – almost half of those who work in the GBV Response Sector are themselves GBV survivors. Obviously more research must be done, but if this suggestive finding is remotely accurate, then we have some harsh realities to face up to as a sector. The most prominent of which is that working-trauma adjacent as many of us do, is constantly retraumatising. We are working to help others who are frequently mirrors to us, and perhaps not fully finding an opportunity to do our own healing which, of course, is the real definition of self-care. As a sector in general, we have given ourselves permission to engage only the surface of self- care such as bubble-baths and a glass of wine or a spa day. Yet truly caring for yourself is so much more and so much deeper that the fleeting surface acts we have become accustomed to.
CEO'S carried too much for too long. Maybe it’s time to hear and answer the call for kindness, mercy and gentleness. The December break may be a good time to start practicing. Take good care of your-self. You are entirely deserving. I also commit to listening to my body, which has very sternly told me that 8 hours of sleep is non-negotiable, and dairy is not my friend. I know its hard for you to put yourself first. I know there are beneficiaries, participants, staff and family that you prioritise above yourself, and I am not asking you to shift that at all. But perhaps, your body has been through enough; your mind has I suggest, perhaps controversially, that for many of us our wounding is very deep, having caused such profound rifts and fractures between our minds and our bodies, that we are only vaguely aware of what we really need to thrive. We may have longing for those things, but don’t feel capable of calling them into being. As an example, I long for a full week or two by myself in the mountains, to breathe and commune with God and nature, but feel unable to give myself permission to do that. Yet I know it’s exactly what I need. My commitment to my own self – care as of right now, is to get back into hiking, even if it’s a day trip. To sing aloud more often, and not only in the shower. To laugh and play with my children until there’s grass stuck in my hair and mud behind my ears.
SPOTLIGHT
CEO: Mental Wellness Initiative Collective Action Magazine
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COLLECTIVE ACTION Magazine
in this
ISSUE...
The far-reaching impact of GBV and trauma on women's leadership 12 Technology-facilitated GBV 36
REGULARS
06 CEO's Spotlight
07 Editor In Chief's Note
FEATURES
Unveiling the power of owning your story 45
Interview with Dr Carolyne Wangeci (Kenya) Insights with Dr Tina D Lewis (USA) Refugee women rebuild their lives with cash assistance from UNHCR’s social services programme 16 Days of Activism Against GBV Campaign: End Bystanderism
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55
41
The unfair treatment of women leads to abuse
116
From victimhood to victorhood 58
124
Self-Love 68
ARTICLES
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Research Findings - Healing from Gender- Based Violence in South Africa
87
Increasing justice system efficiency in Limpopo courts to reduce the backlog of GBV-related cases
103
Trauma is not a personal failing – The cycle can end with you
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COLLECTIVE ACTION Magazine
in this
ISSUE
I am an Invisible Woman 90 Advocating for mediation in GBV matters 91
Harmful gender norms, objectification and degradation of women in our media (Nigeria) 26 AFRICA FEATURE
Nuances Of Gender Inequality in the Creative Arts Space (Zimbabwe) Infertility and stigmatisation in Nigeria Ending rape culture: A Social Responsibility or an Administrative Duty (Nigeria)
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A View 93
124
An open letter to my fellow feminists and others 96
123
The justification of domestic violence as a social problem 99
INTERNATIONAL Holistic brain-body alignment (USA) 49
109
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Entrepreneurship as a vehicle to end GBV (USA) Rising above the entrapment and turmoil of emotional abuse (USA)
Event driven action to end GBV
64
Toxi sisterhood 111
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GBV and positive psychology (USA)
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The interplay of GBV and anxiety- a journey towards healing (USA)
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The Far-Reaching Impact Of Gender-Based Violence And Trauma On Women's Leadership, Innovation, And Sustainability
Hazel Namponya
“It is important that we understand the cost of GBV and Trauma and dismantle patriarchal systems and cultural norms that disable help- seeking behaviour by normalising stigma and shame for women. This gravely impacts their contribution, their leadership, innovation and sustainability.”
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“The University of Johannesburg's Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) houses the Pan African Women Studies Unit, a dedicated division focused on promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. By carving out a research niche specifically for African women's issues, we aim to lead global discussions on the contributions and experiences of women in Africa and the diaspora. Our objectives include initiating dialogues, conducting research, and presenting historical and current debates on African development. Join us in advocating for women's rights and empowerment.” ADVANCING WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE PAN AFRICAN WOMEN STUDIES UNIT
"Some companies remain far from being accommodative towards women; this is an undeniable fact. Shockingly, there are still companies with written policies explicitly barring women of childbearing age from holding leadership positions. In reality, most companies withhold promotions from women of childbearing age, fearing the disruption of profits due to maternity leave. We've encountered this issue in countless discussions. One informal remedy could be to introduce paternity leave, bridging the gender gap." Prof Corné Davis, Associate Professor, Department of Strategic Communication at University of Johannesburg
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THE PROFOUND INFLUENCE OF UNRESOLVED TRAUMA
Unresolved trauma stemming from GBV can have a profound impact on women in business and leadership positions. Survivors may grapple with fear, self-doubt, trust issues, emotional instability, boundary challenges, self-neglect, and difficulty in decision-making, among other issues. This is particularly true in an environment like South Africa where the blame is placed on the victim and the emotional burden of seeking justice and being continually re-victimised can go on for years without any justice being served. These experiences compromise the way they show up in the professional world, inhibiting their full potential and contributions to leadership and innovation. It is essential to acknowledge the significant cost of GBV and trauma and work collectively to dismantle patriarchal systems and cultural norms that stigmatise help-seeking behaviour and perpetuate shame for women. Addressing these issues is vital to unlocking the full potential of women in leadership, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability. It is a shared responsibility to create a world where women can thrive, leading, innovating, and contributing without the shackles of trauma and violence.
THE COST OF GBV: A MULTIFACETED CHALLENGE
"We can quantify the loss in terms of economic opportunities, indeed! But beyond that, the true cost is a profoundly human one. It encompasses every hope, every dream, and every moment of courage. Often, the pain overshadows the light. It's in these moments that we, as sisters, must lift one another, support each other in our vulnerabilities. True healing occurs when witnessed by a compassionate soul. I know it's emotional and may be triggering, but I want us to recognise that this cost is profoundly human; it's not just something written in a textbook."
Tracey-Lee Kotzen, CEO, Mental Wellness Initiative
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""It is difficult to see how generational trauma unfolds, but it can lead to a tragic outcome such as suicide. When you hear the stories, it becomes apparent that some families are trapped, not knowing how to break free from the cycle of suffering. Communities often lack the resources and knowledge to support those going through these ordeals. The families I encounter, when asked about seeking help from social workers, often respond with financial constraints. The paradox is that social workers are available, yet securing an appointment may mean waiting for months. This raises the question: what happens in the interim?" Zodwa Zwame, Former PA of Nomzamo (Winnie) Mandela
Zodwa Zwane, Former PA of Nomzamo (Winnie) Mandela
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We need to explore both sides of the coin: gender-based violence and trauma. Trauma, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, carries a profound impact on our responses and how we present ourselves as women in the marketplace. This calls for introspection regarding our responsibility. Additionally, there is an intrinsic responsibility that we, as women, must acknowledge and take ownership of, which is dealing with the trauma. Hazel Namponya Editor in Chief- Collective Action Magazine
MASTER
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Dr Tina D Lewis INSIGHTS with
www.globalwomanspeakers.com
Most people when they hear "gender based violence” are likely to think of a male-female interaction with the male being the perpetrator. Statistics show that every 9 seconds in the United States (US) a woman is assaulted or beaten. On average, this amounts to nearly 20 women per minute being physically abused by an intimate partner in the US. I have witnessed domestic violence throughout my life from early childhood, through my teens and even as an adult. This came not from television or what someone had told me but from within my own household. My mom and stepfather had drawn out, rugged fights. My stepdad would hit and punch my mom and if you've heard anything about my mom, you’d know Ms. Lewis ‘didn't take any mess’. She would hit him with the closest thing in sight or within reach. Her retaliation eventually caused him to stop and back down. As a child I thought I was the only one who saw their parents’ fight. I was ashamed and embarrassed to share these experiences with anyone. One day while at school, I overheard a female teacher whispering to another teacher that she should leave and not be a punching bag. Hearing this at 9 years old, I took an oath to myself that that I would never be a punching bag, and so I wasn’t. It seemed to me that violence was the answer. It was what I saw and what I believed was the answer. In my effort to self-protect I became the perpetrator. Dr Tina D Lewis is the founder and creator of Global Women Speakers, the number one platform for women who share the passion to become more financially successful so they can have more and be able to give more. Her commitment to empowering women was born in her personal experience of domestic violence
as a child who’d witnessed domestic violence I thought it
was an answer
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extreme jealousy red flags for domestic violence controlling behavior cruelty to animals or children quick involvement isolation unrealistic expectations blames others verbal abuse hypervolatility “playful” use of force in sex. past history of assault threats or actual violence
personality switching / JekyLl and Hyde
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Extreme Jealousy Jealousy is a sign of insecurity and lack of trust, but the abuser will say that it is a sign of love. The abuser will question the victim about who they talk to, accuse them of flirting, or be jealous of time spent with their friends, family, or children. The abuser may refuse to let the victim work or go to school for fear of meeting someone else. The abuser may call the victim frequently or drop by unexpectedly. Controlling Behavior One partner completely rules the relationship and makes the decisions. This includes “checking up” on the victim, timing a victim when they leave the house, checking the odometer on the car, questioning the victim about where they go. They may also check the victim’s cell phone for call history, their email or website history. The abuser may control the finances and tell the victim how to dress, who to talk to and where to go. These 13 signs, when recognised early could save your life
SIGNS THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
‘1 in 8 men are victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. In the United States, of the domestic abuse crimes recorded by the police, 25% are committed against men.’ The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Quick Involvement The abuser comes on strong at the
beginning of the relationship, pressuring for a commitment and claims “Love at first sight” or “You’re the only person I could ever talk to” or “I never met anyone like you before”. Often, in the beginning of a relationship, the abuser is very charming and romantic and the ‘love’ is intense. Unrealistic Expectations Abusers expect their partners to meet all their needs and be “perfect”. They may say things like “If you love me, then I’m all you need”. Isolation The abuser tries to keep the victim from friends and family by putting down everyone the victim knows, including their family and friends. They may keep the victim from going to work or school. Blames Others The abuser does not take responsibility for their problems, blaming others (usually the victim) for almost everything (“you made me mad”).
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Hypervolatility An abuser is easily insulted, takes everything as a personal attack and blows things out of proportion. Cruelty to Animals or Children The abuser may punish animals brutally or be insensitive to their pain. They may have unfair expectations of children or tease them until they cry. “Playful” Use of Force of Sex The abuser may throw or hold their partner down during sex, may pressure their partner into having sex, may demand sex when their partner is tired or ill or doesn’t want to have sex. They may ask the victim to do things they do not want to do. Verbal Abuse The abuser says cruel and harmful things to their victim, degrades them, curses at them, calls them names, or puts down their accomplishments. The abuser tells their victims they are stupid, and unable to function without them. They embarrass and put down the victim in front of others as well. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde The abuser experiences severe mood swings and the victim may think the abuser has a mental health problem. One minute they can be charming and sweet and the next minute they become angry and explosive. Explosiveness and moodiness are typical of people who beat their partners. Past History of Battering The abuser has a history of past battering of partners and although they may admit to that, they say their previous partner provoked them to do it. A batterer will beat any partner they are with if the person is with them long enough for the violence to begin; situational circumstances are not the cause for an abusive relationship. Use of Violence and Threats of Violence Violence can include holding the victim down, restraining them from leaving the room or pushing, shoving or holding them against a wall.
“It is not uncommon for an abusive partner to have extreme and explosive mood swings. Like Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde''
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Abusers may also throw or break objects as a punishment (breaking treasured possessions), but throwing or breaking objects mostly used to terrorise the victim into submission. The abuser may break or strike objects near the victim to frighten them. Threats of violence include any threat or physical force meant to control the victim: “I’ll kill you”, “I’ll break your neck”, “If you ever leave, I’ll kill you.” No one! I'll repeat myself NO ONE (not even you) deserves, has earned or made someone do it! You are worthy, you matter, you are special, you are beautiful, you are a gift, you are unique, you are loved and you are so deserving of true love and the love that doesn't hurt! If you or anyone you know, is in an abusive relationship, please talk to the people that love you, a pastor, a friend, a parent, even a kid or the police. In closing, I had to come to the realisation that I was hurting the people I loved and hurting them, hurt me. No one, no human being deserves to be hit or have someone else's hands on them unless it's to hold, hug and cherish. PERIOD!
For help with domestic violence in the USA call the National Domestic Hotline 1(800)799-7233 (USA)
Dr Tina Lewis Founder: Global Women Speakers International globalwomenspeakers.com speak@GlobalWomenSpeakers.com Telephone: +1.310.917.1067
#ENDGENDER- BASEDVIOLENCE
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10 Reasons why people don ’ t report their rape/sexual assault to the police
FEAR OF NOT BEING BELIEVED
Fear of not being believed, especially if the rapist is older, more powerful or respected in the community.
FEAR OF HUMILIATION
Fear of humiliation by family, the police, friends, colleagues or others. Society tends to blame victims, especially female victims, or to emasculate male victims of rape.
FEAR OF RETALIATION
Fear of retaliation by their rapist if they find out they’ve been reported, especially if they aren’t arrested and punished.
VICTIM IS UNSURE
The victim is unsure of whether the sexual act actually constituted rape or not.
FEAR OF FAMILY BEING ENDANGERED
Fear of their (the victim’s) family being endangered if the rape is reported.
LACK OF FAITH
Lack of faith in the ability of the justice system to properly punish the perpetrator.
SOCIAL TIES
Sexual assault is often perpetrated by men that the victim knows and loves, and who they don’t want to report, especially if they are dependent on him.
MAN DENYING HE RAPED HIS VICTIM
DAMAGING, INCORRECT AND SEXIST CULTURAL BELIEFS
Man denying he raped his victim, and people believing him and not his victim. Sexual assault is often perpetrated by men that the victim knows and loves, and who they don’t want to report, especially if they are dependent on him.
Damaging, incorrect and sexist cultural beliefs that it’s the victim’s ‘fault’, or that anyone who gets raped ‘deserved it’ or ‘asked for it’ – none of these are true, and no victim ever deserves to be assaulted in any way, regardless of any circumstances or factors.
FEAR OF HARMING REPUTATION
If the perpetrator is someone the victim knows or regularly spends time with, they may not want to report them for fear of ‘hurting’ them or damaging their employment prospects, reputation, etc.
Whether or not you want to report your rape, you’ll always find a caring a supportive ear at Marie Stopes. Find your nearest Marie Stopes Clinic and make an appointment online.
To sign-up to join End GBVF Collective and become eligible to run 100-Day Challenges in your district visit https://bit.ly/endGBVF.
Remember: you never have to report a rape or sexual assault; it’s 100% your decision.
You’ll always be treated with dignity, privacy and without judgement at every Marie Stopes centre.
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Harmful gender norms, objectification and degradation of women in our media
Aisha Bubah and Patricia Effiong
“It is frightening to think that you may not get home alive one day.” - Anita Guerrero, Nicaragua
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What has been happening? Two women were murdered by their spouses following an altercation about cooking
“In intimate relationships, women’s and girls’ choices about their bodies are dominated and controlled by their male partners who hold the belief that women’s bodies should always be available to men. These norms contribute to intimate partner rape and other forms of abuse, which are the most common form of violence against women and girls. Violence against women and girls is deeply rooted in the patriarchal power imbalance between men and women.” There is the commonality of a general belief system that the best place for women is in the ‘kitchen’. This trend has brought about tremendous misrepresentation of women's rights at the level of the family down to the circular society. Recently, two cases were popular on X (formerly Twitter) in Nigeria due to their peculiar nature, where two women were murdered by their spouses following an altercation about cooking. Women are far from enjoying equal rights in the labour market, due mainly to their domestic burden, low level of educational attainment, poverty, biases against women’s employment in certain branches of the economy or types of work, and discriminatory salary practices. Some women, particularly the younger ones, are only employed as long as they are ready to use their bodies to woo customers for their business organisations. This is what is called "corporate prostitution" (Salaam,2003)
For over a decade now, numerous cases of women’s rights violations such as acid baths, murder of women, rape, widow abuse, and physical assaults, have occurred in Nigeria. Unfortunately, it is only extreme cases of women’s rights violation that result in death or permanent disability that earns media attention and the police’s interest. Critical cases like female circumcision or genital mutilation, wife battery, marital rape, sexual harassment, verbal and emotional abuse, incest, termination of employment as a result of pregnancy, etc. are not considered problematic enough to be highlighted in the media nor to be taken seriously by the police (Salaam, 2003). More so, the victims of violence, especially domestic violence and rape, hardly report to the appropriate authorities. For instance, wife battery is considered a private affair between the husband and wife. Moreover, the tradition or culture and religious beliefs in Nigeria as a typical patriarchal society see the wife as the property of her husband, who has a moral
right to beat her as a penalty for insubordination and/or perceived wrongdoing.
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“tradition or culture and religious beliefs in Nigeria as a typical patriarchal society see the wife as the property of her husband, who has a moral right to beat her as a penalty for insubordination and/or perceived wrongdoing.” We need to also quit victim- blaming and over- empathising with abusers.
What is the way forward?
According to UN Women, Nigeria has implemented 75% of the laws needed to advance gender equality which the UN wants to achieve worldwide by 2030. The media plays a key role in creating social change and influencing behaviours (good or bad). By examining entertainment media, it's evident how music lyrics and videos put across subtle and obvious messages that can promote violence against women and girls. The power of the media can be harnessed to create social change. In recent times, artists like Omah Lay have been seen to create awareness about mental health in their songs. This is a method of using media as an advocacy tool to bring about awareness and change towards social issues. The same can be applied to ending violence against women and girls. The Strong Voices project by Idimma, a non- profit in Nigeria, has been creating radio dramas for mass broadcast, telling stories centred around issues like SGBV. This is aimed at creating mass awareness, especially in underserved communities, with a call to action that highlights how people can seek help. The same radio dramas have been shared on a podcast to reach a younger, more digitally savvy population. This is leveraging existing media structures to advocate for behaviour change and action. We need to also quit victim-blaming and over- empathising with abusers by justifying their actions or linking them to factors that may garner public sympathy. We need to be able to collectively speak up and take a stand against abuse, as silence communicates implicit tolerance for abuse.
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The Strong Voices Podcast can be found here https://bit.ly/StrongVoicesPodcast. You can also find out more about our work in ending violence against women and girls via www.thesunshineseriesng.com and www.idimma.org If you are interested in further reading on this, please contact us and we can provide you with references .
We need to challenge stereotypes and stop portraying the victim as “asking for it” or deserving of abuse. Abuse is a choice made by the perpetrator, and no one can provoke someone into being abusive. Community support also goes a long way in re-education and challenging gender stereotypes and harmful norms that make women and girls second-class citizens of their communities. The burden is not on men to carry the weight of the world like superhumans, thereby portraying women and girls as the weaker gender, even with the amount of paid and unpaid labour they are involved with. “What we may actually need in Nigeria is equity and not equality, “Equality” is associated with the concept of levelling the playing field, and “equity” states that more resources must be provided to those who need them due to historical and modern oppression. The term “equity” allows for the examination of solutions that are intersectional and that work to address the imbalance of privilege that exists in our society.”
If you are interested in further reading on this, please contact us and we can provide you with references.
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Know #OurNSP
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Nuances Of Gender Inequality in the Creative Arts Space Merilyn Mushakwa International Art Curator
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“Gender inequality persists as women navigate a conundrum of challenges rooted in gender stereotyping, cultural expectations, norms, sexism, and patriarchal systems. These drivers of inequality limit women's opportunities, roles, and aspirations, reinforcing the urgent need for societal transformation towards true gender equity.”
In a lecture room far from her homeland, a woman in her early 30s sits amongst eager young minds, her dreams of pursuing higher education finally within reach. Her journey, however, is a testament to the profound impact of gender stereotyping, cultural expectations, and societal norms that act as drivers of gender inequality. Originally, economic constraints and the demands of motherhood denied her the opportunity to pursue higher education. Now, with a scholarship allowing her to study as an artist and curator in Europe, she grapples with a constant stream of worry and unease. As she attempts to focus on her studies, a thousand other thoughts run through her mind. Her son's school suspension, her daughter's need for new shoes, her grandmother's deteriorating health, and rumours of her husband's infidelity all weigh heavily on her shoulders. She's expected to fulfil various life roles – mother, wife, daughter-in-law, grand- daughter – from thousands of kilometres away, making it one of the most challenging situations she's ever faced. Two months later, with eight months remaining on her scholarship, she makes the heart-wrenching decision to quit the programme and return to Zimbabwe. Her marriage is strained, her children neglected, her grandmother's health worsens, and her in-laws spread rumours about her unsuitability as a wife. They side with her husband, justifying his promiscuity as a response to her outspokenness, ambition, and trendy attire. After her children grow a bit older, she attempts to reapply for the scholarship, only to be denied due to her age. Most undergraduate funding and scholarship opportunities impose an age limit of 35, discouraging many women from applying, as the years leading up to that age are often dominated by family and social responsibilities.
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Her story is just one of countless tales from women in the visual arts and creative industry who grapple with gender inequality. The gender disparity in upper management and the overall representation of female artists, curators, and managers in art spaces has gained attention in recent years. One of the primary drivers of this inequality is the historical dominance of male voices and perspectives in the field, shaping narratives and creating an environment where women are frequently overlooked and undervalued. However, it's essential to delve deeper into the roots of this gender inequality, considering the cultural norms and societal expectations that limit women's participation in the art world. Women often bear caregiving responsibilities with little support, hindering their ability to pursue creative careers demanding long hours and travel. Societal expectations dictate what constitutes a ‘moral’ job for women, often encouraging roles that keep them quiet and compliant. These stereotypes pigeonhole women into muted professional positions and limit their opportunities for creative roles. Societal expectations dictate what constitutes a ‘moral’ job for women.
Most undergraduate funding and scholarship opportunities impose an age limit of 35, discouraging many women from applying Moreover, the lack of mentorship and support for young female artists and curators exacerbates the issue. Many influential figures in the field are male, perpetuating the cycle of gender inequality by mentoring individuals who resemble them and discouraging aspiring female creatives. In the complex landscape of gender inequality, issues such as sexism and ageism must be addressed to achieve gender equity in the creative arts sphere fully. Breaking down these barriers will create a more inclusive and diverse art world that celebrates the contributions of all creatives, regardless of gender. It's a necessary step towards fostering a truly inclusive and equal society.
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Know #OurNSP
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November 2023 | Collective Action Magazine Collective Action Magazine
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TECHNOLOGY- FACILITATED GBV
Elizabeth Dartnall, Executive Director, Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI)
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What is tech-facilitated GBV?
One of the severe impacts of TFGBV is the exacerbation of the gender digital divide an extensive reach, it disproportionately affects women and girls. As several studies have shown, ‘women are more likely to be targeted because of their sex and gender identity, to experience more severe forms, and are also more likely to face serious and longer- lasting negative impacts.’(Quote from UN Women and Ladysmith analysis.)” “Technology-facilitated GBV (TFGBV) is an act that is committed using information communication technologies or other digital tools that results in physical, sexual, psychological, social, political, or economic harm or other infringements of rights and freedoms. Whilst tech-facilitated violence has
One of the severe impacts of TFGBV is the exacerbation of the gender digital divide. How does it do this? UN Women notes that, “the majority of the estimated 2.9 billion people who remain unconnected to the Internet are women and girls.” And those who experience multiple inequalities are the least likely to have access to the internet– doubling down on inequity. This means that they do not have access to many of the advantages of the digital world – access to information and services, to educational and employment opportunities, to communities for support and sharing, and even access to spaces that can be leveraged to organise movements, including around gender equality and gender justice. At the same time those who are online and do have access, are experiencing new forms of gendered inequality, oppression, and violence, and the intimidation of being attacked online leads to us questioning/self-censoring what we say online – many women talk about disengaging with online activities altogether. This is often called the chilling effect of online violence – how TFGBV impacts the engagement of women in public life through fear, humiliation, shame, and silencing. By silencing us, and stopping us from engaging in public life online, TFGBV creates a withdrawal from spaces of engagement and resistance, thereby exacerbating inequalities and power relations in the offline world.
So, what is the impact?
For many women, especially women in public life, threats of violence online can lead to them fearing for their safety offline – in the physical world – and can compromise their ability to do their jobs. Research is showing more and more that offline violence starts online. Every day we hear stories about women and girls who have been victims of non-consensual pornography, sextortion, or deepfakes, of being abused online or threatened with rape and even death. We hear about the misuse of tracking devices and the increase in surveillance and coercive control within households. We know that women who are at greater risk of offline violence are also at greater risk of online violence, including: women with disabilities, young women and girls; women in public life; LGBTQIA+ people; racialised, minoritised, and migrant women.
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“TFGBV impacts the engagement of women in public life through fear, humiliation, shame, and silencing. By silencing us, and stopping us from engaging in public life online, TFGBV creates a withdrawal from spaces of engagement and resistance, thereby exacerbating inequalities and power relations in the offline world.”
What do we know about TFGBV?
So what can we do about it?
One important way to address this issue is to recognise and acknowledge that this is a manifestation of GBV that undermines women’s rights and ability to engage in the workplace. We need strong legal frameworks to address online violence in all its forms; we must address impunity – the perpetrators must be caught and held accountable. A good example of what justice could look like came from a jury in Texas that awarded 1.2 billion USD in damages to a woman whose ex-boyfriend had psychologically and sexually abused her by sharing intimate images of her online without her consent. The judgement read, ‘“The communication from the jury is that you make it your mission to ruin someone emotionally for the rest of your life, then you are going to be facing a judgement that’s going to ruin you financially for the rest of your life.” We need more research to understand how to respond to and prevent online violence and of course we must act now to support women to remain online, and active in public life for the good of democracy and upholding of human rights.
There are significant gaps in our knowledge of TFGBV from the nature and prevalence, to understanding the networked nature of the abuse, to knowing how to respond and/or prevent it. One global study by the Institute of Development Studies suggests that between 16-58% of women have experienced TFGBV. I believe this figure is much, much higher – with most women who engage online having experienced some form of abuse. We don’t know how different types of technology are facilitating GBV – e.g. how do/are AI algorithms amplifying harmful gender norms and GBV? What is the impact of legislation? Regulation? What services are most helpful for victims? What can we do as organisations to support staff experiencing this form of abuse? As an organisation working in the field, we too are grappling with how to support staff when backlash happens – what policies should we put in place, how do we ensure the safety of our team?
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"Technology-facilitated violence encompasses a range of digital tools that can lead to physical, sexual, economic, and political harm, infringing upon our fundamental human rights. We understand that this form of violence has a far- reaching impact, disproportionately affecting women. Moreover, it's crucial to recognise that it's not just any women; it particularly targets those already experiencing offline violence, subjecting them to a heightened risk of gender-based violence. This includes women of colour, ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ communities, amplifying the extent and intensity of their experiences." Elizabeth Dartnall, Executive Director, Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) gender-based
MASTER
1 in 3
SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDREN HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME FORM OF SEXUAL ABUSE
There are
53 million people in South Africa, of which 18.6 million
784 967 Of these children
between the ages of 15 and 17 have experienced some form of sexual abuse
are children under the age of 18. Children therefore constitute 35% of the total South African population.
That is almost the population of Port Elizabeth and almost double the population of Bloemfontein.
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It is also the equivalent of filling up Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium eight times over and the Cape Town Stadium 14 times over
abused children may be sitting in your child’s classroom and 20 will be sitting in an average school bus
Child sexual abuse in South Africa at a glance
THE INTERVIEW
Dr Wangeci, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I am based in Kenya. I grew up in a not-so- well off area in the eastern part of Nairobi where I witnessed a lot of abuse of women and children. This is what has inspired the work I do in public service, humanitarian and apostolic missions. I believe that this work should be applied practically by providing for the needs of victims like providing meals and building boreholes. My current vision is to build a rehabilitation centre for surgical reconstruction of abused boys and teenage mums who are mostly underaged girls suffering from fistula.
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October 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
Teen mothers are not specifically more prone to obstetric fistulas, but they can be at risk if they experience complications during childbirth and do not receive timely and adequate medical care. Fistulas can lead to severe and long-lasting health problems, including urinary or faecal incontinence, and they can have a significant impact on a young mother's physical and emotional well-being. When it comes to the teen moms, these pregnancies are mainly a result of rape and these girls are not fully developed. When they are delivering their babies, they rupture parts of their internal organs which results in fistula which is the inability to control urine or stools. Sometimes this can cause infections and most of them go untreated, with the women living in agony.
I would like you to elaborate on this work that you're doing around teen moms and boys that have been sodomised. I recently received a global award as a humanitarian activist because of what I do, and that is what you're asking about because you find that the girl child has suffered a lot. And everybody is focusing on the Girl Scouts, how to empower the girl child, how to take the girl child to school, and how to provide for the girl child, but there is another gender crying. There is another gender that is also struggling.
The rehabilitation centre is meant to rescue these girls where they can receive corrective surgery and medical attention. This also applies to the boys that are sodomised. It is difficult for boys to talk about the ordeal so with this intervention we hope to encourage help- seeking behaviour. Without any interventions in place to help the victims, unfortunately we will continue an escalation of violence as it compounds generationally. This also fosters a fertile ground for substance abuse, other forms of abuse and the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS.
This dilemma is not unique to Kenya and we see this in many communities in Africa. A lot more needs to be done to save our teenage girls and young boys. We are currently in talks with Nana Wanjau, the Vice President and Chief Gender Officer at the Pan- African Chamber of Commerce, about scaling up in collaboration with King, Dr BJ Langa of the Zwide Kingdom, South Africa, with particular attention to the abuse of boys
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MASTER
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November 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
UNVEILING THE
POWER OF OWNING YOUR STORY
Kim Ballantine
BREAKING THE CHAINS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
“South Africa, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, has unfortunately gained international recognition for a darker reality – its alarming rates of GBV, one of the highest in the world, impacting countless individuals.” When we think about GBV, we are inclined to view it in terms of the associated crimes such as femicide, rape, sexual assault, sexual molestation, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. In reality, GBV is defined in the NSP on GBVF as “The general term used to capture violence that occurs as a result of the normative role expectations associated with the gender associated with the sex assigned to a person at birth, as well as the unequal power relations between the genders, within the context of a specific society. GBV includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse or threats of such acts or abuse, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, whether occurring in public or private life,in peacetime and during armed or other forms of conflict, and may cause physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or economic harm.”
Kim Ballantine, COO, Camber Coaching Pty (Ltd)
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