BY STAFF
One in five women in relationships has experienced physical violence by a partner. Many more have suffered other forms of violence by men they know and strangers. In the community of Diepsloot, gender-based violence has increased by 40.4%. With the rising statistics of gender-based violence in the country, Empowawax managed to launch EmpowaMen 2019 to address the issues that lead to women being abused in their relationships. EmpowaMen has become an important platform for men to share and confront the issues they face in today’s world, from’men’are trash’ to perfection pressure.
This year, EmpowaMen is back and looks to continue addressing some of the pressing issues in our community. The organization will be holding a summit on Saturday, April 20th, in Fairlands, Johannesburg. The program is designed to encourage the men attending to engage in conversation around the topics presented during the main program, as well as the topics encased within the themed conversation experiences and exhibitions.
The program will start with talks that frame the issues facing men today and speak to the wounds that men carry with them, which impact the way they behave and respond towards the world. It is a whole-day event, and 3,000 men of influence are expected to attend and engage in deep, honest conversations about the issues men face in today’s world. The full program can be viewed at www.empowamen.co.za. If you are interested in attending the event, you can register on their website.
Many people aren’t aware that GBV is more than physical and sexual violence. They are also not aware that GBV can and is perpetrated against men too. This year, EmpowaMen will be discussing two topics when it comes to GBV:
- GBV: Buckle up for a no-holds-barred exploration of gender-based violence and why society needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror. We’re not mincing words; it’s time to dissect the uncomfortable truth about how societal norms, expectations, and toxic masculinity contribute to the epidemic of violence against women. Get ready to challenge, confront, and demand change.
- Men Abuse: Breaking the silence on a taboo topic. Gender-based violence against men—it’s more common than you think. This session is a bold step into uncharted territory, addressing the struggles men face when abuse becomes their reality. It’s time to shatter the stereotypes.
EmpowaMen have witnessed the struggles men are experiencing, which is vital in any area. They believe that the only way to mitigate the results of skewed masculinity is to have these deep, honest, and raw conversations. Only by doing that can we get to the roots of different issues and begin the process of solving them.
“EmpowaMen conversations are with men; however, we have a stream that speaks to man and family, and within this, we extensively discuss the future of the boy child. This year, we will have a panel that outlines the following: Forget outdated notions of masculinity; it’s time to redefine what it means to be a man. Join us for a provocative panel on shaping the future of the boy child. We’re breaking down stereotypes, questioning traditional norms, and exploring how we can ensure our boys grow up to be modern men who wield their masculinity as a force for good. It’s not just about raising sons; it’s about cultivating a new generation of empathetic, respectful, and socially responsible men,” the organization said in a statement.