Understanding the reasons behind the unequal power relations between men and women, which contribute to the high levels of gender-based violence and mental health issues in our society, was one of the topics of discussion at the workshop, Dismantling the Chain, which was held at Steve Biko Campus recently.
The workshop was held by the University’s Employees Assistance Programme in partnership with the HIV/AIDS Centre.
Dr Rubeena Partab, an expert in the field of masculinities and domestic violence, bereavement and grief counseling from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), spoke about how the role of substance abuse, gender diversity bias and the lack of men and women empowerment had become a complex, vicious cycle with far reaching consequences.
“By engaging men and women in gender transformative behaviours and pathways, their reliance on demonstrating risky sexual behaviour, violence, committing to poor financial decisions through the consumption of alcohol and substance abuse can effectively be prevented .This would entail multi-faceted interventions including recognition and understanding of the relationship between these variables,” she said.
She added that while there was much deliberate focus on domestic violence in post-apartheid South Africa within the context of a legal framework such as the Domestic Violence Act, there was also an increased awareness that legislation alone could not combat the spiraling numbers of women who experienced interpersonal violence within marital relationships.
Dr Partab concentrated on engagement with the workshop guests, encouraging dialogues on issues such as mental health, substance abuse, gender based violence as well as women and men empowerment. She reiterated that workshops such as these played an integral role in understanding the root of violent issues in South Africa and its communities.
– Waheeda Peters
Pictured: Dr Rubeena Partab, an expert in the field of masculinities and domestic violence, bereavement and grief counseling from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
