Transformation Office Social Inclusion and Diversity Manager Thantaswa Tunzi
As South Africa starts its annual 16 Days for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, Nelson Mandela University’s Transformation Office is tackling the issue head-on.
Transformation Office Social Inclusion and Diversity Manager Thantaswa Tunzi has been presenting a series of workshops on how culture and religious practices can perpetuate gender inequality.
“Gender-based violence and, in particular, violence against women, is one of the most pronounced expressions of the unequal power relations between women and men,” says Tunzi.
“There is no single factor that can explain gender-based violence in our societies, but rather a myriad of factors contributing, and the interplay of these factors lies at the root of the problem.
“Domestic violence is so underestimated: it happens to everyone, even the richest and most educated people.”
Tunzi said that South Africa was internationally recognised as one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a woman.
The findings of the First South African National GBV Prevalence Study, released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on 18 November, confirm this.
The HSRC study found that nearly one in 10 women have experienced sexual violence at some stage in their life.
It also suggested that GBV is rooted in a system of unequal power between women and men, providing new evidence and confirmation of the patterns of violence against women.
Although the University has multiple interventions to address GBV, this workshop specifically addresses cultural and religious norms perpetuating violence.
Cultural and religious norms
“Masculine dominance is prevalent in most religious practices, and the notion of equality between men and women is recent in most religions,” says Tunzi.
“Religious and historical traditions have sanctioned the physical punishment of women under the notions of entitlement and subjugation of women.
“Men often think that they must be in control of their relationship, and their women.”
Cultural factors also play a major role, she notes: “Patriarchal and sexist views legitimise violence to ensure the continued dominance and superiority of men within our communities.
“Other cultural factors include gender stereotypes and prejudice, the socialisation of gender to conform to normative expectations of femininity and masculinity, while promoting the understanding that the family sphere is private and under male authority.
“Violence in the family sphere is often swept under the carpet, and even supported through continued silence linked to incidents of infidelity, domestic abuse, sexual assault perpetrated by close family or friend, and ‘blessers’ sexually exploiting young daughters while providing materially to the immediate family.
“Change starts in the home and instilling our Constitutional values of human dignity, equality and fairness to advance a non-sexist, non-racist and socially just society.
“There is also often a general acceptance of violence as part of the public sphere, for example, street sexual harassment and sexual assault of women.
“GBV is often seen as an acceptable means to resolve conflict and assert dominance. When unemployment and poverty affect men, for example, this can lead them to assert their ‘masculinity’ through violent means.”
In addition, high unemployment rates have fuelled the frequency of domestic violence and, approaching “silly season”, the consumption of alcohol and other substances will contribute to higher levels of GBV.
Despite this grim picture of skewed gender relations, there are actions that can – and should – be taken.
“We are not saying the culture generally is bad, we are saying that there are specific cultural elements (such as valuing the male voice above that of a female between siblings) that perpetuate gender inequalities, a factor leading to GBV,” says Tunzi.
“How, then, do we eliminate violence against women?”
How do we eliminate GBV?
In answering this, she cites four key aspects:
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Teach the next generation: talk about social ills, including GBV. Hold each other accountable and do not remain silent when stereotypes and prejudices are perpetuated.
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Stand against “rape culture”: do not only speak out when you are personally affected.
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Listen to and believe the survivor or victim: when a friend or family member confides in you about GBV, support them and encourage them to report the incident to the relevant authorities.
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Understand consent: no means no, do not assume anything.
“The main cause of the violence is the perpetrator: it is very important to keep in mind that a person who has been affected by gender-based violence is never responsible for the perpetrator’s actions,” says Tunzi.
“It is not with the woman who walked at night, or who has a higher salary than the husband, or who wears a stunning outfit. The responsibility is with the perpetrator.”
Preventing GBV is as critical as supporting survivors. Workshops such as these currently underway are part of Nelson Mandela University's efforts to raise awareness through educational campaigns, workshops and ongoing training for staff and students.
Concrete actions to address GBV include a range of initiatives that educate students and staff on their rights and responsibilities, such as the Memeza! Yellow Whistle Campaign, and the Singamadoda programme which instills positive rather than toxic masculinity.
It also engages with a range of education institutions and NGOs outside the university on advocacy issues, such as positive masculinity and social inclusion, including LGBTQI. Radio sessions on the Madibaz campus radio station are used to debunk common myths.
Earlier this year Nelson Mandela University launched a Campus Community Safety Forum in collaboration with the South African Police Services on all seven of its campuses, which are in Gqeberha and George.
The University Protection Services monitors GBV hotspots on and off campus in areas where students live.
Other steps include self-defence classes, a trained team of “first responders” in residences, and equipping a safe house to provide a respite haven for victims of GBV and other forms of violence.
The University is also part of the Alumni-in-Action (AiA) initiative which sees past students pay it forward to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) at tertiary institutions in South Africa.
Promoting respect for the rights of others, regardless of faith or cultural background, is key, says Transformation Office director Dr Ruby-Ann Levendal.
“Nelson Mandela University’s serious and ongoing commitment to combatting gender-based violence will not end on 10 December, International Human Rights Day,” says director Dr Levendal.
“As the Transformation Office of Nelson Mandela University, we see the power of socialisation and we work tirelessly at trying to change attitudes and behaviours.
“We come from a very violent history, and inter-generational trauma continues to plague of communities. We should take collective responsibility in tackling this social challenge - starting in our homes, extending into other aspects of our lives including religious and cultural spheres, amongst others.
“We have ongoing programmes, workshops and services for our students and staff to address GBV and related aspects. This is a multisectoral problem, and calls for whole-of-society accountability. Together, we can do so much more to end violence against women and children”.