The University of Johannesburg (UJ) through its Transformation Office has kicked off the 2024 edition of the Men’s Forum with the heavy subject of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
In a gathering that was attended by men, women and people of other gender identities, the subject matter of gender-based violence was given a holistic view – from hearing the experiences of perpetrators to understanding what the social contributing factors to GBV are.
Dr Mpoti Relephata, UJ’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) gave the opening and welcoming address.
Understanding the root causes
Dr Ralephata noted that GBV often is close friends with patriarchy, and it is once the latter is attended to, that the root causes of the former can be explored.
“The matters we are gathered here to talk about are really important because we are talking about the University’s commitment to addressing gender equality and gender-based violence. I don’t think there’s a dispute that there is a problem…what might not be clear, is what we need to do about it. Since its inception, UJ has placed Human Rights at the forefront of its strategic priorities. This commitment is not merely rhetoric. It is a sense to fulfilling our corporate citizenship regarding Human Rights”, he said.
He added that several other forums aim to create a cohesive community of people at UJ, namely the Queer Forum, the Women’s Forum, the Men’s Forum and soon a fourth forum will be established for people living with disabilities or people who are differently abled. These forums Dr Mpoti said will create an environment where issues specific to that group of people will be raised and interrogated, and other members of the UJ community will then use the opportunity to sensitize themselves to these issues.
Dr Ralephata further shared a personal anecdote, highlighting that in his life, he is often faced with having to fit into the patriarchal systems of society.
“Being an African male, I can tell you, for free, that I come heavily burdened with prejudices. When I go to my home in Limpopo, and I sit in weddings and funerals etc as men under the tree, our burden of prejudices is a heavy one. Unfortunately, we pass these on to our sons, and they come with them to Universities. So, we have our work cut out for us. This forum was formed in response to this idea, that men need to be much more engaged in gender activism and in the fight against discrimination based on gender,” he said.
Taking action against GBV
Dr Ralephata further affirmed that the biggest issue that needed to be addressed by the forum, is Gender Based Violence, as it is irrational and cannot be justified. And certainly, not at an institution of higher learning.
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Lethlokwa Mpedi, who is the sponsor (a member of the University’s executive that adopts one of these forums) of the men’s forum, spoke about the importance of setting a good example.
“We need to stand up and say we as men want to be part of the solution. This problem cannot be solved without us men playing our part. And we need to share the stories of how we were raised, and how we raised our sons, to share the message that this Gender-Based Violence and other forms of abuse must stop. Young men learn from those that are older, they see what they do and follow. If we set good examples, I have no doubt we will this war against GBV. “
Importance of male engagement
He added that men can participate in fighting the scourge of GBV in the following ways: “Men can actively promote gender equality, educate themselves and others about the root causes and impact of gender-based violence, challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes, support victims and survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, promote positive masculinity, participate in prevention efforts, support policy and legal reforms, and engage in dialogue and awareness-raising activities. This is the crux of our task today”, he said.
Internationally renowned anti-GBV activist and author, Luke Daniels delivered a lecture tracing the work of anti-GBV movements from across the world. Daniels, who has worked in programmes that aim to rehabilitate perpetrators of domestic violence for over 40 years, also gave snippets of his new book which will also discuss GBV.
