MAKOTI HEALTH PROGRAMME
20 October 2021
The Community Engagement Office from the university of Zululand, Drum Aid Office, and the Linzwa foundation hosted an “Makoti health program” for the community of Obanjeni. The program was hosted at Prince Zithume high school, on the 20th of October 2021. The purpose of this initiative was to provide support and empower young married women and the community in addressing Gender-Base Violence (GBV). Thus, talk about mental health issues associated with GBV and finding ways to address such issues.
Some countries experience different types of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in comparison to others, however of the problem is global. GBV is a deep and widespread problem in SA, impacting on almost every aspect of life. In South Africa, reported GBV cases increased dramatically during 2020. The Government’s “GBV and Femicide Command Centre” recorded more than 120,000 victims in the first three weeks of lockdown, GBV can include issues faced and perpetrated by both males and females. However, the focus is on women and girls because they are mainly the victims and survivors. It is reported that GBV occurs as a result of gender inequalities.
The program was the first in the community of Obonjeni. It provided a series of topics that strived to empower young women and girls with support and awareness. The main idea was to assess what the community think about GBV and mental issues around it. Assess whether is it something they are aware of or not.
During the initiative, it was stated GBV undermines a person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. It affects not only physical health but also mental health and may lead to self-harm, isolation, depression, and suicidal attempts. These are health issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). It has a negative impact on children as well, children growing up in violence are more likely to become survivors or perpetrators of violence in the future. According to the United States Department of Justice (2009), the findings on their study showed that children exposed to violence are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol; suffer from depression, anxiety, have difficult in school, become perpetrators themselves and engage in criminal behavior.
Several ideas to address GBV were explored with the community, such as to speak out when they are experiencing act of GBV or when someone is experiencing such acts. This would address the issue as those responsible for GBV would be bought into justice. Speaking up might save a life, creating support groups- support groups can be a way of emotional support and provides sense of security, if needing a place to go. Further, the participants shared knowledge and contacts of institutions that deals with issues of GBV violence. These are legal responses, victim advocacy programs, domestic violence and suicide prevention hotlines, social welfare programs etc.
The campaign provided a supportive platform to the victims of GBV not only by spreading awareness and letting people know about it, but also by giving them a platform to reflect on their individual traumas and the support they could get from the community. The women were motivated and empowered to take control of their lives.
- Nokubonga Mbatha
