I had the honour of serving as a panelist together with Adv. Mikateko Joyce Maluleka, Ms Josina Machel and Mr Craig Wilkinson at the Commission for Gender Equality’s conference. The conference brought together key stakeholders to assess South Africa’s progress toward gender equality since the advent of democracy.  [watch video]

The discussions were deep and often challenging, focusing not only on the strides made but on the significant barriers that remain. Our discussion was the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide, a scourge that continues to devastate lives and undermine our efforts towards equality.

We underscored the profound psychological and emotional trauma that gender-based violence and femicide leaves in its wake, and how crucial mental health support is in the healing process for survivors. The connection between trauma, systemic inequality, and mental health was a focal point in our discussion, highlighting the need for comprehensive, trauma-informed approaches to both prevention and recovery.

Being part of this conference alongside experts from various sectors, including government, civil society, and traditional leadership, reaffirmed the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in tackling these complex issues. The path forward requires not only policy change but also a cultural shift that addresses the deep-rooted norms that perpetuate gender-based violence.

Together, we must continue to advance gender equality by ensuring that mental health and psychological well-being are integral to our strategies for societal change.

Our discussion was featured on SABC News  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO_boOzVV6o and https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/gender-based-violence-should-be-fought-at-community-level-maluleke/

You can watch the entire 2 day conference on CGE TV on https://www.youtube.com/@CommissionForGenderEquality

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