If one keeps track of the media, gender based issues are never far from view. Last month it was good to read in this paper of the play practiced by HomeFirst Theatre in St Alban’s Church Hall in Dartmouth. The December Man is about the effects of the Montreal massacre on one family and how we do, or do not, react to violence, in this case, violence against women. Renting the hall to the troupe became a wonderful opportunity for that church community to acknowledge the story of the ongoing tragedy of gender-based violence in Canadian society.
On November 27, 2021 a walk was held on the Trail in Upper Tantallon. Mini Silent Witness silhouettes were placed along the trail, some of which held facts about Gender Based Violence and Gender Inequality. As the silhouettes were being situated in various spots along the trail, an angry jogger stopped and berated the volunteers for daring to expose users of the trail to such information; another reason to bring attention and understanding to gender based violence, particularly domestic violence.
The 65th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) took place in March 2021. UNCSW is the largest global intergovernmental body to deal with gender equality and the empowerment of women. Since 2000 Mothers’ Union has had consultative status at the UN and sends a delegation each year.
Matito Lechoano, a Mothers’ Union member from the Diocese of the Free State, South Africa, attended that conference. These are her thoughts as recorded in the Worldwide Mothers’ Union magazine Connected, Autumn 2021.
WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN LEARNING FROM UNCSW CONFERENCE IN MARCH 2021?
My main learning was how the patriarchy has negatively affected people all over the world – both male and female. For example, the premise “boys and men don’t cry” has fashioned toxic masculinity. Men only think they can show one emotion – anger. Even the church can sometimes perpetuate patriarchy by making male figures dominant over others. Women sometimes don’t help, as they don’t challenge social norms, and often say, “Its always been done like this.”
I also heard so many stories about gender-based violence (GBV), such as that of Grizelda Grootboom of Cape Town, who was gang-raped at age nine and then sold into prostitution. She has now written a book to help others.
WHAT ACTIONS HAVE YOU TAKEN TO DRIVE FORWARD CHANGE?
I have recognised that we need to use the “time travel method”* to address the challenges of today by using the experiences of the past, which gives people a safe space to reflect and move forward. I also learned that we need to nurture young girls and give them access to education.
WHAT CAN MOTHERS’ UNION DO TO DRIVE CHANGE?
As a faith-based organization, Mothers’ Union can help create a safe space for survivors of GBV and empower young girls to take control of their lives again.
DID YOU ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE OF ATTENDING THE ON LINE EVENT AND WOULD YOU RECOMMEND ATTENDING TO OTHERS?
Though it is good to meet physically, the online event was a good experience (and was) cost saving in terms of traveling and accommodation expenses. However, connectivity was a challenge at times.
I have encouraged some of our Mothers’ Union members to attend, even some of the youth who are involved in community and youth development.
LOOKING AHEAD.
Women and girls have an important role to play in caring for our beautiful world and those who live in it. The UNCSW conference in March 2022 will be prioritizing achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction programmes and policies.
We look forward to the outcomes of these discussions in March.
* Time travel method – The focus with this method is to use the past, to understand the present and look ahead to make a difference in the future.
