Times Of Swaziland: LEND US MEN AN EAR TOO

LEND US MEN AN EAR TOO
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Editor on 17/10/2024 14:31:00


Sir,
This GBV scourge needs an informed approach not the inflammatory one. How many
years the whistle has been blown in a one-sided has inflammatory way, without
minding the causal problem that is in these men who do this heinous thing.  I
have been observing this problem over the years without the promise of a
solution. The approach is not bearing results so far. The approach of stacking
up laws after laws has failed to be a deterrent every time there is a new
offender, others are in prison already.
Solve
Therefore, how is it going to solve or even end this? Although, we’re in a
country with less intellectual studies or research happening and you even doubt
if there are any scholars of repute. Let me throw a good question to those who
want to argue. How long and what does it take for a centuries-old behavioural
built on societal characteristics to be turned around by imposing laws or any
kind of an educational programme targeting a new generation? The present
behaviour of men is generational and inherited from the old family structures
and traits, worse; it is still happening in our unquestionable traditional
settings, it’s there. The men are born out of that setting.
Aggrieved
The last one which I think men are aggrieved of is that it seems there are no
rights for men in our society, but only for women. That is gender imbalance. The
laws and the courts are tipped against the men like in the Apartheid era of the
western people in South Africa. You knew that if you are arraigned to court you
shall be sentenced, for your reasons shall never be investigated fairly. Just
consider the one case of a woman stabbing the boyfriend and then saying he was
demanding sex, why kill him? She knew that her alibi would sell, period. The
media has lulled about that, no hullabaloo.
Frank
I suggest that we hold a frank indaba with the men only to discuss this matter,
so we can head toward a corrective measure.  It should neither be organised by
hypocritical organisations nor by anyone playing to the gallery. It has to be a
straight talk discussion with no suppressive conduct.  If there’s a panel, it
should not be any how, men will be talking. This one must have no women present.
If agreed to, a follow-up indaba with women involved can come, but I would
suggest that a report must be availed to them,  so they have a picture of the
amadoda’s take.
Adam