DR BONGI OWUSU CALLS FOR UNITY AND ACTION

• South Africa faces a dire GBV crisis, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgent need for collective action to address this “second pandemic.”
• Dr Bongi Owusu stressed the importance of inclusive solutions, dismantling stereotypes, and engaging all members of society—including men and marginalised groups—as allies in the fight.
• The fight against GBV requires challenging harmful norms, empowering communities, and fostering partnerships across gender, faith, and cultural boundaries to create a safer, more empathetic society.

When President Cyril Ramaphosa described gender-based violence (GBV) as South Africa’s “second pandemic,” he emphasised the severity of this national crisis. He called on everyone to unite in eradicating the scourge of GBV, a plague that transcends gender, sexual orientation, and social status, demanding a concerted response from all sectors of society, remarked Dr Bongi Owusu, Director of the Department of Social Development.

As the country observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), Dr Owusu highlights the importance of reflecting on what solidarity truly means in this struggle.

“True solidarity involves everyone—men, women, children, and marginalised communities—standing together against GBV,” she asserts. Dr Owusu further stresses the need to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes that perpetuate violence and marginalisation. She notes that in many communities, women are still treated as minors, with their voices dismissed solely because of their gender.

While women remain the primary victims of GBV, Dr Owusu advocates for an inclusive approach to tackling the epidemic. She underscores the importance of recognising that violence is not confined to one gender. “We must acknowledge that there are women who perpetrate violence and men who are survivors. Comprehensive interventions must reflect this reality, recognising the diverse forms and experiences of GBV.”

A critical step in combating GBV lies in dismantling toxic masculinity. Dr Owusu notes that society often reinforces harmful ideals by discouraging men from expressing vulnerability. “When boys are told, ‘Men don’t cry,’ it fosters emotional repression and disconnection, which can manifest in harmful behaviours. Women—whether as mothers, sisters, or partners—can help by affirming that it is okay for men to express their emotions. This simple shift can break cycles of violence and foster healthier, more empathetic relationships,” she emphasises.

South Africa’s GBV statistics remain deeply troubling. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), over 120 women were raped daily between April and June 2023, and a woman is murdered every three hours in the country. These figures are grim reminders that the majority of GBV victims are still women and children.

Dr Owusu highlights the importance of engaging men as allies in the fight against GBV. “It is crucial to involve men as positive partners in this battle. This approach not only challenges the narrative that all men are perpetrators but also encourages men to take a stand and say, ‘Not in my name.’ Engaging men as active participants can inspire a new generation of boys to value respect, empathy, and non-violence.”

Reflecting on past community practices offers valuable lessons. Dr Owusu recalls a time when communities held abusive men accountable through collective intervention. “I remember when I was young, if a man was beating his wife or children, the men in the community would call him to esigcawini and reprimand him. That worked,” she reflects.

She also emphasises the role of community leaders, including religious and traditional figures, as gatekeepers of societal norms. However, she laments that some perpetuate harmful ideologies. “Faith-based organisations must challenge practices that victimise women and condone abuse. Traditional leaders and their spouses—oNdlunkulu (chiefs’ wives)—have a unique role in shaping young minds. For example, boys can learn respectful masculinity, while girls are guided towards self-empowerment,” Dr Owusu explains.

The fight against GBV demands courage, collaboration, and a commitment to challenging harmful norms. It calls for a society that rejects stereotypes, promotes inclusivity, and holds perpetrators accountable. Dr Owusu’s plea is straightforward: a collective commitment to eradicating GBV must begin in homes, workplaces, and communities.

As the 16 Days of Activism continue, Dr Owusu concludes with a powerful message: “Ending GBV is not the responsibility of a few but the duty of all. By fostering partnerships across gender, faith, and cultural lines, South Africa can become a beacon of hope—a society where no one suffers in silence, and everyone is empowered to thrive.”