Khayelitsha men who attended a dialogue forum about men’s involvement in the HIV epidemic and the impact of violence against women and children, said broken family structures were the root cause of abuse in society.
The event for men was held at Andile Msizi hall in Site B, Khayelitsha, on Saturday August 18 and was facilitated by HIV/TB Care and Community Media Trust. Also addressed were alcohol and drug abuse, child maintenance as well as men’s health issues including HIV testing and counselling.
HIV/TB Care co-ordinator Thembelani Mabhiya said dialogues would explore the causes of abuse.
“This isn’t the last dialogue. We are going around the townships to find out why men are abusive. We are aware that there are men that are abused, but they are mostly the abusers. Our ultimate aim is to see men champion the fight against women and children. For now expect them to talk frankly on their issues,” he said.
Mr Mabhiya said he was glad men finally speaking out about the issues were bothering them. Sonke Gender Justice’s Sikhonzele Mabulu encouraged men to support their spouses and children, and he encouraged them to know their health status.
Mr Mabulu said men were not attending clinics and some were not supportive of their families.
He believes the patriarchal system has affected men. “We should bring up our young boys in a manner that they will respect women. Let us be responsible fathers to our children and spouses. As men, we should expose the criminals amongst us. Let us make a difference in society,” he told those gathered at the hall.
He said he hoped that the dialogues would yield positive results. He also urged men to unite against crime. He called on them to stand up and be counted in their respective areas.