Events

-I Act against abuse-

16 Days of Activism on Violence against Women and Children

Date: 5 December 2008

Venue: Mini march from 49 Jorrisen (Braamfontein) to Joubert Park (Johannesburg)

Time: 10:00 am - 13:00 pm

The number of people especially women and children dying at the hands of others is increasing.  It seems as if gender-based violence has turned into a hobby, as there are constant reports of a woman or child who was raped or disappeared.  This is turning <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">South Africa</place></country-region> into a nation of shame, with wounded women and children, and all men assumed to be violent and out of control.  This portrayal of our great nation is not fair, especially for us men and boys, who are viewed with suspicion, bitterness and fear. We have to act now!!  We must Act against Abuse!  

Hence, EngenderHealth through its Men as Partners (MAP) program, along with other partners  is galvanizing men-s support to take the lead in acting against gender-based violence through an awareness campaign with the theme -I act against abuse- to be held on the 5th December 2008 at Joubert Park in Johannesburg.  This event will take place during the 16 Days of Activism national campaign, focusing the entire nation on ways we can reduce this scourge. 

EngenderHealth works worldwide to improve the lives of individuals by making reproductive health services safe, available, and sustainable.  We provide technical assistance, training and information, with focus on practical solutions that improve services where resources are scarce.  We believe that individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and to receive care that meets their needs.  We work in partnership with governments, institutions and health care professionals to make this right a reality.  EngenderHealth-s MAP Programme works on involving men to take an action on eradicating any form of violence against women and children, and to reduce the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS by advocating for gender equality and promoting healthy relationships.

The -I act against abuse- campaign envisages to reach an estimated 2000 men with various messages of non-violence against women and children through a mini-march that will start from 49 Jorrisen street moving through Love day street, into De Korte, Hospital street, Esselen street and turning into Klein street towards Joubert Park where we will have speeches from both governmental and non-governmental officials.  There will also be a VCT utilizing EngenderHealth-s USAID/PEPFAR- supported mobile testing unit on the day and pledges against gender based violence being taken.

Join us as the leader taking the lead in ending gender based violence on women and children.

For more information and to be part of the event contact:

Pascal Akimana 072 110 4228/011 403 4625 pakimana@engenderhealth.org

Supreme Mfalapitsa 073 873 7997/011 403 4625 mmfalapitsa@engenderhealth.org

Sipho Ntlangula 078 206 3345/ 011 403 4625 sntlangula@engenderhealth.org

Men-s HIV Testing Day - South African Male Celebrities in Support of Women Empowerment

13 August 2008

Venue - CAPPELOS, Newtown  Johannesburg   

Statistics indicate fewer men in South Africa are testing for HIV than women. Research suggests that this difference is due to fears amongst men that their HIV-positive status will be disclosed through testing, and that stigmatization will follow. Surveys also suggest that some men see no value in knowing their HIV status, viewing such knowledge as a burden. (UNAIDS WHO AIDS epidemic update 2005).  EngenderHealth conducted a study in during 2005 among men between 18 and 35 and the findings showed that -only 29 % of men have tested for HIV compared to 54 % of women- (Levack 2006) another study conducted in 2004 within 11 clinics indicated that.  -Only 37 % of HIV voluntary counseling and testing services were used by men while 63 % were used by women- (PHRU 2004)

EngenderHealth-s MAP programme works to counter the gender stereotypes, building the capacity of NGOs, government and individual gender activists to challenge these gender norms and build a healthier life for individuals, families, communities and the nation as a whole.   This is premised on the belief that the actions of one person can go a long way towards creating a healthier life for all. EngenderHealth-s MAP programme recognizes that gender stereotypes have a large impact on the spread and management of HIV. 

Too often, boys and men are raised to be strong and tough; to not show weakness and not to ask for help.  Thus, seeking health care services such as testing for HIV or seeking a doctor when one is ill is perceived to the -unmanly.-  These same gender norms often encourage men and boys to have multiple sexual partners, to take risks on their lives, as well as not share emotions publically; based on a harmful view of -masculinity.-

The Sisonke We are All in this Together Campaign is an initiative of EngenderHealth-s MAP program and some progressive artists and celebrities to demonstrate a concerted effort and commitment by men to combat the intertwined social ills of gender based violence, child abuse, HIV/AIDS, crime and xenophobia. 

In honour of the Women-s Month, on the 13 August 2008, the Sisonke (We are All in This Together) Campaign will host a testing day for all men, including some popular South African celebrities to show their commitment to women by getting testing for HIV.  What better to way to say that men are committed to reducing the spread and impact of HIV than by knowing their own HIV status?

With the campaign theme of -I am not afraid to test,- the Sisonke Campaign is galvanizing a national men-s response and is calling on ALL men to come forward, be brave, and know there HIV status. 

The Sisonke Campaign is further CALLING ON ALL LEADERS (political, religious, traditional, community, youth/student), as well as celebrities, athletes, artists, musicians to show their strength by getting tested for HIV.  On the 13 August 08, a press conference to launch the event as well as public display of testing will occur at Museum Africa,  Newtown, Johannesburg from 18:00 - 22:00, utilizing EngenderHealth-s USAID/PEPFAR-supported mobile testing unit - purchased to create a male-friendly HIV counseling and testing services for men. 

29  April - Launch Event:  To be held in Braamfontein, 49 Jorrisen Street, Devonshire Hotel, Jorrisen Room.

---April - Mural Painting Day:  Local artists throughout the provinces will paint murals depicting men taking action against HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.

--- April - National Men-s HIV Testing Days: EngenderHealth will partner with various clinical and mobile voluntary counselling and testing services to promote the importance of men knowing their HIV status. These services will also be available at public rallies and workshops during MAP Week.

27 April - Freedom Day/Workers Day: Working with local governments, EngenderHealth and its partners will incorporate MAP messages into Freedom Day and Workers Day events.

----April - Faith-based Outreach: Faith leaders will be engaged by EngenderHealth to incorporate messages of male involvement into their community outreach work.

3 May - Family and Sports Day: To be held in Moletsane Sports Centre, Soweto