In solidarity against GBV this 16 Days of Activism, fathers and sons from tough neighbourhoods across Cape Town united for ‘Fatherhood for the Future’ in an effort to build a safer society for women.
Cape Town, South Africa (13 December 2024) — In solidarity with 16 Days of Activism that ended recently and standing together against Gender-Based Violence, fathers and sons across Cape Town united for ‘Fatherhood for the Future’.
The workshop was designed to give men and boys from Langa, Kraaifontein, Delft, Mfuleni and CBD space to bond for the betterment of women and children, and to have important conversations for the betterment of men.
These conversations help change the way in which gender roles are understood, challenge notions of masculinity and provoke thought toward the root causes of the violence that is tearing our country apart.
In many ways, these conversations are the building blocks that help men understand how they can and should build a safer society for women.
Fathers and Sons: A Bond That Can Make or Break a Society
Because change in societal patterns of violence largely starts with every man of today who will influence their sons in one way or another, the primary goal of Fatherhood for the Future was to strengthen these father-son relationships.
A big part of South Africa’s trauma stems from fatherless boys and those without positive male role models. Especially in underprivileged communities, these boys can grow up into adults who perpetuate cycles of abuse, poverty and gangsterism, largely because of learned behaviours. You can learn more about this, here.
Shifting Ideas of Masculinity into Action Plans
“Social expectations and cultural norms often reinforce ideas of masculinity that equate strength with aggression, making violence seem like an acceptable response to conflict,” shared Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
“It’s imperative that we chart a different path if we are serious about building a safer society for women, children and men who are victims of abuse.”
The men and boys developed individual and community action plans to address GBV as part of the programme. These plans are intended to guide actions and decision outside of the safe space and are equally a way to spread awareness.
Through art therapy techniques, dialogue and connection were able to foster and flow more naturally. These art pieces are now symbols of the participants commitment to preventing gender-based violence.
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