As we marked the end of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, Thulane Madalane Business Leader of Timeless News spoke to Mbali Mkhwebane the Spokesperson for One Strong Voice Foundation, whose organization hosted a lecture on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Honorable Thoko Magagula, Member of Parliament in the Republic of South Africa, delivered a lecture on this monster that is engulfing our country.
Thulane Madalane: What inspired One Strong Voice Foundation to host a lecture on GBVF at this particular time?
Mbali Mkhwebane: Educating the public and stakeholders about the prevalence, causes, and impacts of GBVF to promote understanding and empathy.
Sharing strategies and tools to prevent GBVF by encouraging behavioral change, policy reforms, and community action.
Providing survivors with resources, knowledge, and platforms to share their experiences, fostering a supportive environment. Engaging experts, policymakers, law enforcement, and community leaders to create collaborative solutions for addressing GBVF. Mobilizing individuals and organizations to actively participate in campaigns, policy advocacy, and support. Hosting lectures around significant dates like the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women or 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
TM:What is the main objectives you aimed to achieve through this lecture?
MM:A GBVF lecture serves as a platform to inspire action, inform policies, and ultimately create a safer, more equitable society.
TM: How do you envision this lecture influencing community attitudes and actions towards GBVF?
MM:Educate attendees on the various forms of GBVF, its causes, and its impact on individuals and society.
TM: What core values guide the mission of One Strong Voice Foundation in advocating against GBVF?
MM:Equip individuals and communities with tools, strategies, and knowledge to prevent GBVF through behavioral changes, community initiatives, and education.
TM: How do these values impact your approach to raising awareness and mobilizing support for GBVF initiatives? MM:Advocate for stronger legal frameworks and policies to protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and prevent future occurrences.
TM: Can you discuss any principles or philosophies that shape your advocacy efforts related to GBVF?
MM:Provide information on available support services, counseling, legal aid, and resources to empower and help survivors.
TM: What specific support initiatives for victims of GBVF were discussed during the lecture?
MM:Dispel misconceptions and harmful beliefs that perpetuate GBVF, such as victim-blaming and gender-based biases.
TM: How does One Strong Voice Foundation ensure that its support programs effectively address the diverse needs of GBVF victims?
MM: Regular Training and Capacity Building: Equip staff with ongoing training on emerging GBVF trends, cultural competence, and survivor-centered practices.
TM:Can you share any metrics or stories that demonstrate the impact of your victim support services?
MM:Recognize that victims’ experiences are influenced by intersecting factors such as gender, race, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. Design programs that acknowledge and address these unique experiences to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
TM: How does One Strong Voice Foundation plan to engage attendees and the broader community after the lecture?
MM:Involve victims, survivors, and community stakeholders in the planning and evaluation of programs.
TM: What role do you see community members playing in combating GBVF and supporting victims?
MM: Involve community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to foster a culture of accountability and collective action against GBVF.
TM:Can you highlight any upcoming campaigns or events aimed at raising awareness and promoting action against GBVF?
MM: Conduct surveys, focus groups, and workshops to gather insights into community-specific challenges and needs.
TM:What future initiatives or programs does One Strong Voice Foundation have planned to enhance its advocacy against GBVF?
MM: To continue organizing awareness campaigns physically and on social media.
TM:Are there partnerships with other organizations or stakeholders that you are pursuing to strengthen your efforts against GBVF?
MM:Yes, Phedishano Sisonke Foundation, Department of Social Development, Parole Board in Boksburg Prison. These are some of the organizations that we have partnered with.
TM:What message would you like to convey to individuals and organizations who are motivated to help end GBVF in their communities?
MM: The fight against GBVF must never relent; it is an ongoing struggle. Since many of these incidents occur behind closed doors, we need to address them within households and private spaces.
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