Times Of Swaziland: PRIORITISE MALE INVOLVEMENT IN FIGHT AGAINST GBV PRIORITISE MALE INVOLVEMENT IN FIGHT AGAINST GBV ================================================================================ Son of the Soil on 25/11/2024 08:42:00 IN the context of our predominantly patriarchal society, it is widely recognised that boys and men often benefit from preferential treatment across various domains of life. This societal framework naturally provides the male child with greater opportunities, systematically grooming him for leadership roles and high-income professions. Within many family settings, there remains an expectation for boys to receive services from their female siblings or relatives. This dynamic allows boys to exercise dominance over their sisters, even engaging in physical altercations without notable repercussions. Conversely, a girl who defends herself or initiates a confrontation is swiftly condemned, with her actions deemed incompatible with the anticipated conduct of a future wife. The cautionary expression ‘indvuku ayiwakhi umuti’ is reserved for men only in extreme circumstances, underscoring a glaring disparity in behavioural expectations based on gender. From an early age, the male child is indoctrinated with the belief that expressing pain or sorrow through tears is unbecoming of a man, as encapsulated in the phrase ‘indvodza ayikhali’. Such societal norms stifle emotional expression, equating vulnerability with weakness and relegating the articulation of feelings to a characteristic of the opposite sex. Expressing This upbringing fosters a persona that finds difficulty in expressing vulnerabilities, as captured in the admonishment, ‘ukhulumisa kwemfati’. This lack of emotional literacy can greatly strain intimate relationships later in life, where communication becomes essential. In situations where discourse escalates into emotive confrontations, the man, unaccustomed to verbal expression, may resort to physical aggression as a misguided form of communication. It must be emphasised that such actions are choices, not predestined outcomes of social conditioning or genetic predisposition. This restrictive socialisation contributes to a silent epidemic among men, who endure mental and physical health challenges, including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, exacerbated by repressed emotions. Alarmingly, data has indicated that men bear the highest rates of suicide, with Eswatini reported in 2019 as having the third-highest suicide rate globally per 100 000 inhabitants.The increase in gender-based violence (GBV) cases has heightened awareness of the victimisation of women and girls, who make up a significant proportion of survivors. However, an emerging narrative reveals a concerning trend of men experiencing abuse, predominantly emotional, at the hands of women. Victims Although less reported and sensationalised than physical abuse, emotional mistreatment carries profound mental health implications for its victims. The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act (SODV) criminalises emotional abuse, though its enforcement and the resultant jurisprudence regarding male victims remain insufficiently developed. The observed reluctance of law enforcement to actively pursue cases reported by men underscores a systemic bias that hinders the equitable application of justice. To effectively address GBV, a comprehensive and inclusive approach is essential. It is imperative to recognise and address the abuse suffered by men without diminishing the severity of women’s victimisation. The fight against GBV necessitates the engagement of all genders, fostering a society where none are marginalised. Allegations of men’s abuse should not be dismissed as misogynistic rhetoric but acknowledged as a genuine concern that merits attention and action. The path to eradicating GBV requires a united front, wherein the experiences of all victims are validated, and efforts to heal and reform societal norms are collectively undertaken. As we mark the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence today, we need to commit to do better as a nation. We cannot allow ourselves to deteriorate to the levels we have. I firmly advocate for substantial investment in the family institution, in its various manifestations. Recognised as the foundational unit of society, the family holds paramount importance in shaping individuals, particularly boys and men, who have the potential to transcend current societal standards. The focus ought to shift towards pre-emptive measures rather than predominantly reactive responses commonly observed across various sectors. In addressing GBV, a pressing concern within the country, one notable initiative has been the enactment of the SODV Act. Efforts This legislation, emerging from extensive efforts and significant resource investment, represented a necessary and overdue response to the issue at hand. However, the realisation that this Act alone has not sufficed in eradicating the issue compels us to engage in more creative and thoughtful solutions, given the problem’s regrettable persistence and escalation. There has been a notable deficiency in focusing on preventive measures, a domain where government, civil society, religious institutions and development partners have shown limited activity. The reliance on punitive measures has proven ineffectual without the support of preventative strategies. Furthermore, existing efforts lack coordination, with no clear leadership to guide the collective response. Another critical shortfall is the scarcity of research in this area. Predominantly, the available data pertains to incidents rather than an in-depth understanding of the root causes of GBV, resulting in interventions that lack effectiveness and fail to achieve desired outcomes.The current approach, characterised by its superficiality and fragmentation, is insufficient in addressing the issue of GBV in its entirety. Merely incarcerating offenders without addressing the underlying factors, including socialisation patterns, economic disparities, cultural norms, religious influences and a general lack of conflict resolution skills, will not lead to a sustainable solution. It is imperative that a more comprehensive and coordinated strategy is developed, one encompassing both punitive and preventive measures, backed by rigorous research to identify and tackle the fundamental drivers of gender-based violence effectively.