Siphelele Nketo
REGULAR incidents of gender-based violence in the area of Matatiele have led to the launch of a men’s forum this week to actively fight against the scourge.
The official launch at the Maluti Civic Centre was attended by Eastern Cape MEC for Department of Social Development Bukiwe Fanta as well as representatives from the Matatiele Local Municipality and other organisations. The launch was part of the department’s start of the Orange Day campaign, a global initiative aimed to end violence against women and girls. The campaign inspires people to wear orange on the 25th of every month as a symbol of hope and collective commitment to create a safe community, protect survivors and promote dignity and well-being of women and young girls.
According to Fanta, the launch of the men’s forum will offer men a platform to engage openly on GBVF, accountability, healthy relationships, family values and the role of men in creating safer communities.
The forum also seeks to encourage men to move beyond conversations and take meaningful action by challenging harmful behaviours, supporting victims and survivors, promoting respect and dignity, and becoming positive role models in their communities.
