Makhosi Sibanda
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) serve as a powerful platform to confront the devastating abuse faced by women and girls worldwide. Yet, there is an often-overlooked reality in this dialogue: the abuse that men and boys endure.
This issue, too frequently dismissed and silenced by societal stigma and systemic neglect, requires urgent attention within the broader struggle for gender justice.
In the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched, the abuse of men challenges conventional ideas of masculinity and exposes a hidden vulnerability that is often ignored or trivialized.
Unveiling Silent Victims
Men’s experiences with abuse remain largely invisible due to entrenched societal norms that equate masculinity with invulnerability. This silence is compounded by cultural expectations that men must endure hardship in stoic silence. In South Africa, for instance, while reports of physical abuse against men in intimate relationships are on the rise, these cases remain underreported and are often overlooked by the justice system. In Zimbabwe, cultural taboos and stigmas perpetuate the notion that men must suppress their pain and suffering, leaving them isolated and without support.
The Men’s Conference Podcast, a local platform advocating for male well-being, highlights the vulnerability of men in the face of economic hardship, such as job losses and financial instability. These stresses can upend traditional power dynamics, leaving men vulnerable to abuse. By challenging the stereotype of male dominance, these dynamics force society to reconsider the multifaceted realities of masculinity.
Fortunately, organizations like Sonke Gender Justice in South Africa are stepping in to address these challenges. Through their MenCare program, they encourage men to share their stories, challenge harmful stereotypes, and become advocates for gender equality. This initiative aligns with global movements like the UN’s HeForShe campaign, which calls on men to be active participants in the fight against gender-based violence and its prevention.
Structural Challenges Demand Structural Solutions
One of the most significant barriers to addressing male abuse is the lack of dedicated support services for men. In addition, judicial systems often exhibit gender bias, which discourages male victims from coming forward. Across the SADC region, courts continue to fail to implement gender-neutral policies, with men often left without recourse.
In Namibia, for example, legal experts are advocating for reforms to ensure that protective orders are equally accessible to all genders, reflecting a growing recognition of male victims’ needs.
To address these systemic challenges, a multifaceted approach is essential:
1. Judicial Reform: Courts must adopt gender-sensitive procedures, ensuring that all personnel are trained to handle male abuse cases with empathy and without bias.
2. Community Advocacy: Engaging male role models to lead advocacy campaigns can help dismantle the stigma surrounding male vulnerability. Programs in Zambia, where men are encouraged to participate in gender dialogue forums, offer promising examples of how shifting societal perceptions can empower men to speak out and seek help.
3. Inclusive Support Services: Governments and NGOs must prioritize the creation of male-focused support centers and helplines, ensuring that men feel safe and supported when seeking assistance.
Expanding the 16 Days Campaign
The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV provides an invaluable opportunity to foster inclusive conversations about abuse in all its forms. By broadening the campaign’s focus, we can amplify the voices of those whose experiences are often neglected and confront the full spectrum of gender-based violence.
In Eswatini, for example, community-led initiatives during the 16 Days have used storytelling workshops to highlight the experiences of male survivors. These workshops not only amplify marginalized voices but also promote collective healing and understanding, demonstrating the power of inclusive narratives in building a more just and equitable society.
Expanding the campaign’s scope does not diminish the need to address violence against women and girls. Rather, it strengthens the overall fight against all forms of abuse by recognizing that a holistic approach benefits everyone. When we acknowledge the violence faced by all genders, we create a foundation for mutual respect and understanding.
Toward True Gender Justice
Addressing the abuse of men is a crucial step toward achieving true gender equality. By dismantling stereotypes, fostering empathy, and promoting inclusive policies, we can create a justice system that serves all victims of abuse, regardless of gender. The 16 Days of Activism can serve as a rallying cry for this transformation, uniting communities in the pursuit of a world free from violence and oppression.
In the SADC region and beyond, the journey toward gender justice must be one of inclusivity, understanding, and shared responsibility. Only by recognizing the vulnerabilities of all individuals can we hope to eliminate abuse in all its forms and build a society rooted in equality, compassion, and solidarity.
About the Author:
Makhosi Sibanda is the founding Executive Director of the Men’s Conference Podcast. With extensive experience in print, digital, and radio journalism, he has been actively involved in media development for many years. He is currently a PhD candidate, focusing on broadcasting policy in Zimbabwe.
