Blog – Masculinity

Masculinity – Blog

Summary of the SaferSpaces Online Conference: Preventing Violence in South Africa - From policy making to evidence-based implementation

In a series of webinars on the 7th and 8th of June, we drew from the existing evidence, experience and expertise of the civil society, academia and government sector in the prevention of violence and discussed how this could be utilised for the evidence-based implementation of the most relevant South African safety policy frameworks.

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The high costs of power: how masculinity is harming the mental health of men

In addition to the pain inflicted upon victims, destructive conceptions of masculinity wreak havoc in the lives of men, which manifests in the form of compromised physical and mental health, restricted intimacy, and shallow friendships, amongst others.

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‘Ripped’ and ‘Roids’: Muscularity and Illegal Use of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
03 Apr 2019 | by Tamsanqa Mashasha | Safety and Violence Initiative (SaVI), Guy Lamb | Safety and Violence Initiative (SaVI)

Illegal Anabolic-Androgenic steroid use is generally regarded as being trivial by law enforcement authorities, but the dangers are real. Continued AAS use can result in heart, liver and kidney diseases, as well as heart attack and stroke. How can we reduce the danger?

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More Than a Game: Soccer-Based Health Programming for Adolescent Boys and Young Men
30 Nov 2018 | by Alison Clowes, Chris Barkley, Mbulelo Malotana and Jenn Warren | Grassroot South Africa

As we celebrate 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, it is important to acknowledge that entrenched gender norms in South Africa create an environment in which gender-based violence is acceptable, and even worse, normalised. They inhibit effective implementation of laws intended to address violence against women and girls. It is therefore ever more important to engage adolescent boys and young men in the promotion of gender-equitable attitudes and norms, and influence their behaviours positively.

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Nightclub safety: victimisation and bouncer competency
24 Oct 2018 | by Nkosingiphile Mbhele | University of KwaZulu Natal, Shanta Balgobind Singh | University of KwaZulu Natal

Nightclubs in South Africa have relied heavily on private securities to protect their property and ensure the safety of patrons during the busy nights. It is therefore important to understand the relationship of bouncers and patrons as well as the role and competence of bouncers in the relationship as they are the key players in maintaining safety and security.

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Understanding the drivers of urban violence: Research insights from South Africa, India and Brazil
22 May 2015

What are the main drivers of urban violence in the global South? The IDRC’s Safe and Inclusive Cities Programme aims to address key gaps in knowledge on the issue and test the effectiveness of violence reduction theories, strategies, and interventions.

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What Works: Innovative global research to prevent violence against women and girls
10 Dec 2014

On 25 November 2014, a global research and innovation programme to help prevent violence against women and girls was launched in South Africa by the UK International Development Minister, Baroness Northover.

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