Blog – Masculinity

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.