Sadly, September 2019 in South Africa has been tainted by horrific crimes of gender base violence (GBV) and xenophobic attacks. The impact of GBV is powerfully captured in the song “Set me Free” by Tarryn Lamb.
Some claim that slogans and marches are not enough to turn the tide. Raising awareness is a step in the right direction. However, it will take a collective effort from old and young, all people, to start playing an active role in critically evaluating our relationships and attitudes and values towards ourselves and people that are “other” to us. To stand and speak up against any form of violence.
The religious sector is also called upon to critically evaluate how their doctrine and interpretation of the Bible feeds GBV. A slogan I saw painted on a banner from the Central Methodist Mission in Green Market Square in Cape town read “Women and men are equal in God’s eyes. So … in whose name do men rape?” This is a powerful statement, but it must be unpacked and truly understood and accepted.
From our Christian faith we know that we are called to love one another as we love ourselves. This call is a call to recognise that we are all connected through love – I am because we are – UBUNTU. The embodiment of love and non-violence will stretch us to recognise ourselves in all who are “other”, the stranger, the womxn, the child, the lesbian, transgender womxn etc.
Be the change,
- Ecclesia de Lange
“Be the change that you want to see in the world”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Embodied dialogue as a powerful tool
IAM’s Michelle Boonzaaier reflects on a recent event addressing sexual violence, how powerful embodied protest can be, and how to foster a more diverse dialogue in our work at IAM.
Moving from toxic to transformative masculinities as gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and heterosexual men and boys
While taking part in a Methodist Church vigil at the post office where Uyinene Mrwetyana was raped and murdered, IAM’s Hanzline R.Davids’ asked himself, “how do I feed the patriarchy, and what role do I play in gender-based violence?”
IAM is looking to expand our Board of Trustees, and are seeking individuals with a wide variety of skill sets, with broad-based networks and with the passion to actively participate in the oversight of IAM's work. If this is you, please let us know! Don't have the capacity to take on a full Board position at the moment? Still reach out and let us know how you might be interested in getting more involved, we would love to grow our team of supporters. Please send us an email at abby@iam.org.za