16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GBV MARCH

MANZINI - Unique!

This is one of the adjectives that best describe the Global Network Aid march, which was aimed at sensitising the public about the 16 days of activism against gender based violence (GBV), which was led by men, in particular public transport workers, who were dressed like women. The march was held in Manzini yesterday  and it started at Manzini Market to Manzini Bus Rank, via Manzini Police Station. The 16 days of activism against GBV runs between November 25 and December 10.

Global Network Aid Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thabiso Motsa said the concept behind having the public transport workers wearing women clothes, is to encourage men to support their mothers, wives, sisters and daughters in the fight against GBV, as they are the vulnerable population.The CEO said their aim is to tackle the issue of GBV from a different angle, one that would effectively draw attention in a comedic, yet serious manner. He said this is because generally, people listen and pay attention to issues raised in a light and not-so-serious manner; therefore they came up with the idea of having men dressed like women at the forefront of the march.

He said as an organisation, they believe they have made the desired impact because indeed the  dressing up as women  caught the attention of the members of the public in the city. “We also noted that people were taking video clips and pictures which trended on social media platforms, which meant that our message did not only reach those who in Manzini and the streets we marched on, but a much bigger audience in and out of the country,” Motsa said.

He emphasised that having men dressed in that manner is their way of showing respect to women and pledging their support in the challenges they (women) are facing, with the ever-increasing cases of GBV.  He added that studies have shown that one in three women in the Kingdom of Eswatini experience GBV related encounters by the time they reach the age of 18 years. It is worth noting that in the country, the issue of GBV is so serious such that over the years, a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been calling for it (GBV) to be declared as a National Emergency. Some of the organisations even petitioned the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.

 During one of the public events, former Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Themba Masuku once said he was aware that are calls that government, in particular the DPM;s Office, should declare GBV a National Emergency. In response to the calls, he said maybe personally, he would like to do that, but could not wake up in the morning and do it. In that regard, he called upon all entities that have or were pushing the narrative that GBV should be declared as a National Emergency to approach his office to have proper discussion over the matter. He said the discussions would include, where emaSwati got it wrong, among other things.

He emphasised that anybody who wants to stop GBV, like him, should contact the office of the Principal Sectary (PS) in his (DPM’s) office and arrangements for engagements would be made. “Do not send petitions, but come and let us engage,” Masuku was quoted saying. He said he had never chased anybody away from his office. He also added that maybe he was on the same narrative, but emphasised the importance of proper engagements on the subjects.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: