Perspectives on Gender and Socialization: a challenge to men

1. Perspectives onGender and Socialization: a challenge to men Bafana Khumalo - CGE

2. Introduction The present context, Gender relations, patriarchy, Transformation agenda, Societal values, Commitment, constitution, transformation, Gender and Socialization Bafana Khumalo - CGE

3. Defining socialization • Transference, • shared community values, norms and standards, • Education, • Initiation, • orientation Bafana Khumalo - CGE

4. Institutions of socialization • Family- e.g. use of colours; toys; chores, • School- e.g. chores; subjects; ‘pregnancy’ • “in group” – rites of passage, • “out group” – belonging to a group, • Religion – role definitions, women as leaders • media, - manner in which women are projected • Traditional Inst., e.g. koma; Bafana Khumalo - CGE

5. Today’s Situation • Gender transformation remains a challenge, • Some gains, but many challenges, • Most countries SA incl. have signed international conventions affirming this position, • SADC protocol on gender equality, Bafana Khumalo - CGE

6. How Did We Get Here? • Assumptions about culture, • Rigid / dynamic, • Traditions embedded in culture, • Traditional practices should be life enhancing, (‘Botho/Ubuntu’) • Practices should be about building community, Bafana Khumalo - CGE

7. How Did We Get Here? • Colonial era, • Industrialization, • Discovery of gold and diamonds and its implications, • Urbanization, • Apartheid, • Democracy Bafana Khumalo - CGE

8. Culture & Tradition • Culture is dynamic not static, • Evolves with time, • Is about enhancement of life, • Is affirming, • Is about building and growth, Bafana Khumalo - CGE

9. How Did We Get Here? • Anecdotal evidence, • Distortion of Culture, • Undermining, • power abuse, • Culture adapts to challenges • AmaZulu and ukusoma, • Polygamy Bafana Khumalo - CGE

10. Culture & Traditions • Harmful traditional practices; • Child marriages, • ‘Fathers-in-Law’ – ‘daughters-in-Law’, ‘Ukungena’ • FGM Bafana Khumalo - CGE

11. Harmful traditional practices • Fertility obligations, • Having sex with brother or relative for procreation, • Sexual enhancement portions, • Implications for HIV/AIDS, • ‘ubusoka’ / ‘isigwadi’ / ‘isishimane’, • Not just about relations, more about sex (myths about not being active) • Virginity testing • Implications for HR, STI’s, HIV, Bafana Khumalo - CGE

12. Available Options • Models; • Bafokeng • Queen Modjadji et al, • KwaZulu Natal experiences, • Contradictions? Bafana Khumalo - CGE

13. Possibilities • Harmonization of Constitutional democratic provisions with Customary practices, • Presidential ‘Izimbizo’s’ • Ward committee systems, • African renaissance • Legal framework Bafana Khumalo - CGE

14. Challenges • Harmonizing culture with democratic processes, • Developing focused men’s forums, • Creating synergies between women and men on gender issues, • Towards an integrated approach, Bafana Khumalo - CGE

15. Way forward • Review gender policy to include work with men, • Lobby for GFP to be at correct / influential level, • Explore role that Arts & Culture can play to place this matter on the agenda, • Social cohesion process / Moral Communities, • Deepen links between gov. & civil society initiatives, • Carry through this approach to service delivery, Bafana Khumalo - CGE

16. Conclusion • Traditional institutions can play a significant role in development, • This will allow culture to grow, • Will help deal with challenge of poverty and joblessness, • Will enhance status of women, Bafana Khumalo - CGE

17. Re a leboga, Siyabonga, Dankie, Thank you. Bafana Khumalo - CGE