Traditional norms violating women – Lupane Community

Lupane residents have expressed concern over gender-based violence issues that are prevalent in their area. These have mostly been as a result of traditional practices which violate some rights and also as a direct result of ignorance about what gender-based violence is and the different forms it takes.

Sibanye Animal Welfare and Conservancy conducted a gender-based violence outreach program to push for the eradication of these violations that have been normalised through some traditional archaic practices.

By Thembelihle Mhlanga

The outreach raised awareness on gender-based violence and the different forms it takes. The meeting provided an opportunity for the community to set examples of the violence from their lived experiences and from what they observe in their surroundings.

It was brought out that instead of having family meetings after a violation has occurred within the family, such incidences should be reported to the relevant authorities. This norm whereby incidences of sexual violence are dealt with at family level have resulted in a lot of unreported cases.

Another issue that was raised is the traditional practice where after the death of their husband, the family of the deceased expels the widow from the matrimonial home. This amounts to GBV and violates women’s rights to equality.

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