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Positive Masculinities, Gender-Based Violence, Men, Manhood, and Identity

15 March 2023 | Story Chelepe Mocwana | Photo Grand Epic Photography

Opinion article by Chelepe Mocwana, Senior Officer in the University of the Free State Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice, Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office.

Gender-Based Violence Challenges Facing Men and Young Boys

Men in South Africa and male students at higher education institutions (HEIs) are faced with the challenge of the social construction of what constitutes a ‘man’. This difficulty is rooted in social norms that are embedded in hetero-patriarchal social systems and beliefs. The manifestation of these beliefs is projected in social realities that are configured within power structures. The scourge of gender-based violence and femicide against women and girls, gender and sexual minorities, is a playout of power dynamics that enable the perpetrator to violate their subject. This form of violence is often perpetuated by men against women or gender and sexual minorities. This is exacerbated and compounded by several issues.

This includes poverty, socialisation, heteronormativity, political history, mental health, unhealthy sexual practices, and toxic masculinities. Men – especially young men – find themselves without a safe space to express themselves about the challenges they face in society today. Other than men feeling that they have no space to engage, there seems to be a general resistance among men to achieve gender equity and partner with women(x) to eradicate gender-based violence. Some of the resistance is due to the socialisation of men. These are behaviours and cultures that men have adopted over time, normalised, and end up accepting as norms and acceptable behaviour. Men today are faced with the challenge of identity and manhood.

This begs the question. What does it constitute to be a ‘man’ in this time and age? Issues of manhood and identity among young men today are complex and multifaceted. Historical, cultural, and social factors have played a role in shaping these concepts. In African societies, rituals play a major role in forming our identity and manhood. Some of the narratives around these rituals have led to toxic masculinities and related practices formed by men. Globalisation and social media have influenced men’s views on manhood; therefore, a concerted effort is needed to focus on establishing an identity and manhood that is relevant and applicable to the Global South.

Why Positive Masculinities

Men must find a space to look at their masculinity again. Therefore, we submit that positive masculinity programmes must be promoted as men engage. The objective of such programmes is to promote healthy and constructive expressions of masculinity. Masculinity that makes men comfortable to express their emotions and to be vulnerable. Spaces where they can engage without being judged when they express themselves. Masculinity that are based on values of respect, empathy, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Men must challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes, harmful cultural and social norms that perpetuate toxic and violent expressions of masculinity, gender-based violence, and homophobia, and start to promote more inclusive and equitable social norms.

Men are needed who will empower boys and men. Positive masculinity aims to empower men to become positive role models and leaders in their communities. This involves promoting a sense of responsibility and accountability and encouraging men to use their influence to promote positive social change. Ultimately, the objectives of positive masculinity are to promote a more inclusive, equitable, and just society, where individuals of all genders can thrive and reach their full potential. Accountability entails having awareness and acknowledgment of the power and privilege that comes with patriarchy and male privilege; robustly engaging with institutional policies, procedures, and culture to achieve gender equity; respecting and promoting women’s leadership in the gender space and society in general, and continued cooperation with women and gender activists.

Going into the future

It is time for men to speak up and stop being bystanders and onlookers. It is through the promotion of positive and healthy expressions of masculinity that the scourge of gender-based violence can be eliminated. We will achieve equity when we strive to put women, girls, LGBTQI people, and the most marginalised communities at the centre of our awareness and advocacy efforts. No one should be left behind. Men must be partners in eliminating gender-based violence. Men should listen and take women and children seriously; protect women and children and keep them safe; help them to know their rights to be free from violence and abuse; and choose the man they want to be and/or become.

News Archive

UFS council elects Nwaila and Hancke

2005-03-15

Dr Charles Nwaila, Superintendent-General of Education in the Free State, was elected Vice-chairperson of the UFS Council and Judge Faan Hancke was re-elected as Chairperson today.

According to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Frederick Fourie, the election of Dr Nwaila is an important achievement for the UFS as Dr Nwaila is a well known leader in education in the Free State.

Dr Nwaila pledged to work constructively with the UFS council and management to ensure that the UFS benefits all people of the province and the country.

The appointments are valid for a term of three years from 1 June 2005 to 31 May 2008.

The elections took place at the quarterly meeting of the UFS Council where a number of other key transformation steps were approved.

The Council approved a Strategic Plan for the UFS which reflects a renewed focus on transformation of the institution, calling it an important roadmap for the future of the UFS.

According to Prof Fourie, the Strategic Plan tried strike a balance between continuity and change, addressing the need to remain an excellent university in an ever-changing context and environment.

Prof Fourie said transformation had many aspects and dimensions and could not be reduced to an issue of numbers.

The Strategic Plan identifies five strategic priorities and corresponding challenges in the next phase of transformation.

The priorities are:

quality and excellence
equity, diversity and redress
financial sustainability
regional co-operation and engagement.
outward thrust

Prof Fourie said that besides the five strategic priorities the plan also reflected concrete actions and interventions to address them.

He said the renewed focus on transformation is embedded in the priorities and specific actions that are identified.

The Council congratulated the management for the roadmap and for the achievements that have already been achieved in terms of transformation.

In order to draft a comprehensive Transformation Plan that will give substance to certain aspects of the UFS Strategic plan – or roadmap – the Council approved the establishment of a Transformation Plan Team.

The team will consist of about 16 people, which includes the two coordinators, Prof Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Academic Operations, and Dr Ezekiel Moraka, Vice-Rector: Student Affairs.

According to Prof Verschoor, the team was chosen and approved by the Executive Management earlier for the individual contributions that they could make.

While the individuals do not represent particular constituencies on campus they are a very diverse group of persons in terms of race, gender and various sections of the campus and the satellite campuses.

Prof Fourie, said there was an urgency and importance attached to the work of the Transformation Plan Team.

He said that while the team must produce a plan within a tight deadline, the task must be carried out very well, which could mean different stages in the work of the team.

According to the Rector, the UFS must take the lead in best practice transformation, while not underestimating the complexity of the issues facing the UFS.

The full list of names will be finalized soon.

MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by: Mnr Anton Fisher
Director: Strategic Communication
Cel: 072 207 8334
Tel: (051) 401-2749
11 Maart 2005

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