Masisikume ("Stand up and take action") – Addressing gender-based violence in South Africa
South Africa is currently facing a increasing problem of gender-based violence. Many women live in fear of rape and violence at the hands of partners. Many find it difficult to negotiate safe sex without feeling threatened. Thus, women cannot protect themselves from pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Many rapes are not reported and counseling services are not contacted or consulted by those in need, particularly poorer women who also face barriers in trying to access the justice system and other public health care services.
South Africa has the second highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the world; one in six of its population live with the disease. Umkhanyakude is one of the most disadvantaged regions in the country, where 79% of people live in poverty.
Main objectives of the program
- Enable health and social care service providers to protect vulnerable women and girls
- Bring about positive changes in attitude and behavior of men to reduce the incidence of gender-based violence
- Give women the capacity to access quality public services, including HIV/AIDS services
- Encourage communities to take an active role in monitoring gender-based violence
- Work with traditional leaders and councils to raise awareness of women’s rights and bring in policies and legislation for women’s and girls’ rights
- Inform national and international campaigns so that more action can be taken to help those in need
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