Article by Hlengiwe Dlamini and Images by Nelisiwe Mkhize
Speakers for the day are, from left, Ms Noluthando Mate, Ms Nobuhle Nkala, Ms Palesa Mangoato, Mr Sipho Msomi and Ms Babalwa Selanto
PIETERMARITZBURG: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is described as any harmful or act directed at an individual based on their actual or perceived gender identity. This includes violence against women, children, men, and people who do not conform to dominant gender roles.
On Thursday, 24 August 2023 towards the end of Women’s Month, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works in collaboration with the Office of the Premier identified a need to host a day-long Gender-Based Violence Workshop which was held at the Main Auditorium, Oliver Tambo House in Pietermaritzburg.
The main objective of the aforesaid workshop was to create awareness to Departmental Cleaning colleagues and also cascade valuable information on Gender-Based Violence which is notorious for being a menace to society.
The targeted audience was urged to convey information acquired during the workshop to their families, friends including the general public.
A workshop of this magnitude comes as a positive contribution to targeted communities as it helps bring about empowerment which is in line with promotion of constitutional rights against the scourge of Gender Based Violence which stretches even further to affect people of other sexual orientations including the Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Individuals (LGBTQI).
Deputy Director: Youth, Women, People with Disabilities and Military Veterans, Mr Sipho Msomi who served as the programme director for the day, acknowledged stakeholders and guests present alongside the Deputy Director: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Ms Babalwa Selanto who succinctly outlined the purpose of the day.
Deputy Director, Provincial EPWP Ms Babalwa Selanto confirmed that, gender-based violence is a sensitive issue in the country and government is treating this matter with a great sense of urgency.
She further encouraged women to attend information sharing workshops of this nature, report such matters and also protect their children by fighting against all forms of abuse levelled against them.
That will surely attract possible government interventions through law enforcement agencies and other applicable programmes designed to fight against such inhuman acts and unjustified taboos ravaging innocent people in the country.
Above: Discussions held during the workshop by the attendees
Detailed presentations made from the TB HIV Care organisation which caters for sex workers reflected on numerous untold sufferings experienced by these individuals who gain health care services and direct access to clinics under the medical guidance of the aforementioned organization.
They also working to their 2030 goal by making sure that by then there will be fewer infections in the country as these workers fall under the key population classified as a vulnerable group.
A Professional Nurse Counsellor, Ms Nobuhle Nkala presented a case study where everyone was afforded an opportunity to interact freely regarding their understanding of the Nursing Profession. This was followed by presentation of a topic on gender-based violence offered by Ms Palesa Mangoato, the Site Manager representing the organization.
Her presentation covered numerous aspects around GBV, which according to her, is not only focusing on people who are being physically abused but also on people who get abused in a number of ways, ranging from emotional, sexual, financial and etcetera. This topic also reflected on different types of GBV which was explained to female staff members present including a couple of men who attended.
Attendees were reminded to always ensure that, they create a conducive environment for safe human habitation at home, school and at work where most people normally spend their precious time during the course of the day.
Some of the attendees receiving their Certificates of Attendance towards the end of the programme
As the day’s programme drew to a close, important information required during emergency situations was shared with everyone in attendance.
Attendees were advised that, there are Social Workers from Life Line South Africa attached to each local Police Station as well as Community Care Centres such as Thuthuzela Centre located in Pietermaritzburg. For child abuse related cases, information provided guarantees seamless access to Child Abuse Care Centres which operate across all corners of KwaZulu-Natal.
Colleagues located at the DPW were advised not to hesitate to associate with the Employee Assistant Programmes designed to offer the necessary support in the workplace.
The programme was officially adjourned immediately after Mr Sipho Msomi’s last presentation of the remaining Certificates of Attendance to their intended recipients.