Neglect of young men blamed for abuse
This sentiment was shared by ANC Provincial Women's League Chairperson Nonhlanhla Khoza, when addressing members who converged at the Empangeni Civic Centre on Monday
NEGLECT in the grooming of young men has contributed to the gender-based violence we experience in society, and the sooner we pay attention to this matter, the better.
This sentiment was shared by ANC Provincial Women’s League Chairperson Nonhlanhla Khoza, when addressing members who converged at the Empangeni Civic Centre on Monday.
The event was aimed at celebrating and honouring the late struggle icon, Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
‘While condemning the gender-based violence which is at its peak countrywide, we must admit that little attention has been given to young men.
‘We have in the past been focusing on building young women, through various programmes such as Taking a Girl Child to Work, but neglecting young men in the process.
‘Both president Ramaphosa and KZN premier Zikalala have been vocal about this issue of taking care and grooming young men to be responsible future citizens.
‘We call on all stakeholders, particularly traditional and church leaders, to play a leading role in building and developing our young men in the proper way.
‘Our young men must be armed with the capacity to deal with rejections, such as break-ups with their partners, and being able to live a normal life thereafter.
‘We also remain concerned about absent fathers, who are nowhere to be found when their children, especially boys, need them most. ‘This too, does have a negative impact on their upbringing, which ultimately results in building anger within themselves, and that in turn, results in domestic violence.
‘We have seen boys growing up without their fathers taking care of them through paying their maintenance, but money alone does not replace the love and care boys need from their fathers. Children need to be raised by both parents,’ she said.
Khoza urged women to emulate Mama Winnie Madizikela-Mandela in fighting against all forms of women abuse, crime and injustices.
A candlelight ceremony was held in remembrance of all victims of gender-based violence.
The event was also addressed by ANCWL in Musa Dladla, Silondile Mkhize and ANC PEC member, Nonhle Mkhulisi., who appealed to women to remember Mama Winnie through programmes of empowerment.
‘It is up to us now to fight against all social ills and stand together as a united force,’ she said.
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