DURBAN - MEN feel they are at liberty to perpetrate all sorts of crimes on women. This is because of the cultural dynamics of this country, and often this is not reported.
This is according to Omogolo Taunyane from the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Monitor South Africa. Taunyane was speaking during the first Mamas Alliance GBV and femicide webinar facilitated by veteran broadcaster Ursula Chauke.
On the panel, Taunyane was joined by Slyvia Mwila Luneta from Mamas Alliance, Barbara Kanyon from Grip, and Ali Channon from the Tshikululu Social Investments.
The webinar comes when women and young girls continue to be at the receiving end of violence.
Speaking on why GBV is rampant, Taunyane said it was because men wanted to disempower women and children.
“There are cultural issues that factor into this. It’s hard for children to come out from the culture of silence. Men do it because they know that the justice system does not work because without enough evidence the prosecution does not take place.”
On the other hand, Taunyane said the justice system had failed to hold men accountable for their actions.
“Access to justice is more of a privilege than a right. We have been working with the National Prosecuting Authority. We want to get the victims’ details so we can reach out to them. Community members don’t have the economic means to report incidents.”
Daily News