The event builds on the 2013 “Not in My Name” campaign that called on men to stop the spread of gender-based violence in the country.
“A lot has happened since the Not in my Name campaign but now we need to put our shoulders to the wheel and all work together to change the attitudes of men,” said the Chairperson of the sector, Reverend Bafana Khumalo.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the leadership and role of SANAC, in particular the Men’s sector, in addressing challenges such as gender-based violence and HIV and AIDS.
“It remains, therefore, our collective responsibility that we destroy structural violence and eradicate sexism not only in the public and private sectors, but also in our homes. The Men’s social movement brings to our nation the clarity, focus, and impetus which is urgently needed to construct a new society founded on human dignity, fairness, and peace,” he noted.
Minister Bathabile Dlamini stressed that while the women’s movement for equality requires all sectors of society to play a role, it was important to clearly define how these sectors must participate in this movement. “Engaging men does not mean men must liberate women – women must liberate themselves from patriarchy.”
The dialogue also launched the draft South African Men’s Charter, which will be disseminated to communities for extensive consultation. It is hoped that the final Men’s Charter will be adopted in November 2016 during International Men’s Day.