MEN’S DIALOGUE ADDRESSES MASCULINITY AND GENDER EQUALITY

By Lawrence Mashabela

• As part of Women’s Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s statutory unit in the Southern Corridor, in collaboration with Non-Profit Organisations, hosted a men’s dialogue in Sebokeng to address critical issues like masculinity, gender equality, and gender-based violence (GBV).
• The dialogue provided a platform for men to engage in discussions about their role in combating GBV, supporting gender equality, and challenging harmful stereotypes and behaviours.
• Facilitators and participants emphasised the need for men to introspect, educate themselves and others, and actively engage in creating a safer and more equitable society.

As part of Women’s Month activities, the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s statutory unit in the Southern Corridor, in partnership with Non-Profit Organisations, hosted a significant men’s dialogue at JC Koetze Hall in Sebokeng last Friday. The dialogue aimed to provide a platform for men to discuss critical issues such as masculinity, gender equality, and gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.

Sidney Madibo from Father a Nation, the lead facilitator of the dialogue, emphasised the crucial role men play in combating GBV and supporting gender equality. He outlined several key actions men can take to promote gender equality: educating themselves and others about the root causes and impacts of GBV, challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes, supporting victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and engaging in dialogue and awareness-raising activities.

Madibo commended the men who are already working to prevent violence against women and children. He stressed the importance of teaching young boys to grow into positive members of society, noting that no amount of power or aggression toward women defines a man’s worth. “We understand that men face many pressures, but taking out frustrations on women is never justified,” he said. Madibo encouraged men to openly discuss their challenges to receive support and to recognise that changing harmful stereotypes and practices is essential for progress.

The dialogue revealed that many men view unemployment as a significant source of frustration, but also acknowledged that men are often the perpetrators of GBV. Participants emphasised the need for men to introspect and change their attitudes towards women and girls in all aspects of life—whether as partners, fathers, colleagues, or friends.

Malehlohonolo Mohalenyane, a Statutory Social Worker in the Gauteng Department of Social Development, highlighted the department’s commitment to promoting positive masculinity and preventing abuse through ongoing engagement and awareness programmes.