Wellness Café

16 Days of Activism: It starts with a conversation

Nov 1, 2024

The 25^th of November marks the start of 16 days dedicated to ending violence against women and children and to stamp out gender-based violence (GBV).

This is a time to challenge stereotypes about men and women, and rewrite the script. Through meaningful conversations, we can change hearts and minds, creating a safer, more respectful society for all.

What is consent?

One of the most powerful ways to stop sexual violence is to ensure that everyone understands what consent truly means. Consent is not just ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It is really all about respecting your sexual partner’s choices and only doing what you both are comfortable with. Consent is positive, informed and ongoing. Silence, pressure and coercion are not consent.

The conversation: Everyone has the right to make decisions about their body. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page by talking about and understanding one another’s boundaries and limits.

Challenge images of manliness

Manliness itself isn’t harmful, but it becomes problematic when it’s equated with aggression, dominance and emotional suppression. The ‘macho man’ image pressures men to believe they must use power to control others.

The conversation: Stereotypes telling boys and men to ‘man up’ can be damaging, pushing them to suppress emotions and equate strength with toughness or violence. This pressure can lead to harmful behaviours and emotional isolation. Everyone – girls and women included – should understand that true strength isn’t about being violent or unfeeling; it’s about resilience, empathy and emotional balance.

Promote gender equality

At the core of gender-based violence (GBV) is inequality. We need to challenge the idea that one gender is superior to another. When we make it clear that men and women are equal, we can reshape attitudes and behaviours.

The conversation: Start by questioning assumptions. Why are certain roles automatically linked with gender (for example, women cook, and men work on the house)? How do these stereotypes limit us all?

When we all start to challenge certain expectations and create better ways of being together, we can put an end to GBV.

Reference

Parliament of South Africa

LATEST POSTS

5 surprising facts about ADHD

Think attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is shorthand for someone who can’t sit still and focus?
In fact, it’s not an inability to focus, it’s about regulating attention. Many people with ADHD describe becoming intensely focused on some tasks – known as ‘hyperfocus’ – while struggling to start or complete things that don’t grab their attention.

When children get cancer

No one wants to hear that a child has cancer. Fortunately, childhood cancer is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all cancers.
The danger is that many childhood cancers progress very quickly, so it’s important for caregivers to be aware of warning signs – and seek help.
With September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, now is the time to learn more.

When breastfeeding does not work for you

Breastfeeding is often portrayed as one of the most natural parts of motherhood – an instinctive, nurturing interaction between mother and child. But what if that image of effortless nursing doesn’t reflect your reality?
You’re not alone. In fact, 60-80% of new moms say they have difficulty breastfeeding. What’s more, in South Africa, the tally for infants under six months that are exclusively breastfed is less than one in three.

Why you should start building bone today

Over the years, your bones gradually break down – and for women after menopause, it’s a particularly big problem.
Your bones may seem solid, but they’re actually living tissue constantly renewing itself – like a well-maintained building. New parts replace old ones all the time, but if the building loses more bricks at a rate than they can be replaced, the structure becomes weaker.

How to stay healthy all winter long

Want to stop the sniffles in their tracks this season? These five strategies will protect, nurture and support your body.
South Africa’s colder months can bring a mixed bag of winter woes. More time indoors, closer contact with others, indoor heating – the perfect conditions for colds and flu. Shorter days also affect vitamin D levels and mood. It’s not surprising that many of us end up feeling less than sunny.