The Founder and Senior coordinator of SAYWEE (South African Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Initiative) Themba Ndlovu says high unemployment contribute to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Born and bred in Alexandra, Johannesburg, now residing in Soweto, Ndlovu advocates for change with over 10 years of experience in career, skills and business development.
South Africa has the highest rates of GBVF in the world and It is recognised as a social justice issue and a public health priority. Ndlovu has recently caught-up with Gauteng News to give his intake about GBVF which gained more momentum since the beginning of Covid-19 lockdown in March.
“Due to lockdown millions of workers has lost their jobs, with women being the most affected. There are many issues that affect the behaviour of men towards women, such as emotional stress and frustrations of being unemployed. This bring out the wild side out of men and also women, as you are seen to be useless because you can’t provide for your family,” he says.
Ndlovu is also the Founding Director of the Head-On Talk, this is a SAYWEE initiative. It was established mainly to facilitate conversations on socio-economic issues such as unemployment and GBVF amongst other issues.
The National Campaigns Coordinator of SAYWEE, Nomcebo Khumalo added and said GBVF may be generally caused by the power and dominance that men have over women.
“On the causes, there is a relationship between the gender-based violence and the rate of unemployment, all shaped by traditional family structure. For example, where the family tradition give rise to a male breadwinner culture. A decrease in female unemployment relative to male unemployment may be perceived by men as a threat. This can lead to violence against their partners to reinstate their authority.” she said.
For more info about SAYWEE and Head-On Talk and all their programmes or wish to partner and or sponsor their initiatives or events contact 067 323 7189 or follow them on Facebook @TDNEconomicActivist and on Twitter @TDNActivist
