#MenAreTrash: A view on the ongoing debate
The MenAreTrash hashtag has been making headlines - it’s playing out largely on social media where the space is wide open for the sharing of stories, ideas and debates.
Women have also started using the platform, largely influenced by many highlighted stories in the media, to recount very personal details of their lived experiences.
Of late, we’ve seen protest action, marches and pickets with various messages at the centre of it all.
Opinions vary from those supporting the hashtag to those saying that men can’t all be targetted as a group - that some men are contributing to the debate, supporting women and understanding what needs to happen.
ALSO READ: Spate of attacks on women, children 'a crisis'
Listen to some of the views below:
Organisation POWA (People Opposing Women Abuse) has spoken out against the attacks on women but says this is something that the country has grappled with for some time.
POWA spokesperson, Connie Mamabolo says awareness has been highlighted because of social media – leaving many, including government, shocked. She says a strategic plan on gender-based violence is needed.
"As organisations and NGOs, we have been talking to the government especially the Ministry of Women to say we need a plan,”she says.
The Department of Women says there are existing plans, and that in many instances those being abused suffer at the hands of people they know, including their partners. Information officer, Jennifer Ann Schreiner gave the following numbers to assist those in need of help.
Schreiner says an Integrated Programme of Action on Violence is led by the Social Development Department and has been in place since 2012. She says more emphasis must be placed on what the plan entails, to make people aware of the assistance available to them.
ALSO READ: Calls to shield children from abuse as Child Protection Week begins
Recent studies done by Gender Links have shown that the rate of violence in South Africa is increasing.
Gender Links’ Gender and Governance Manager Mariatu Fonnah says provincial studies they have conducted demonstrate this.
Fonnah also gave out information where women can seek help when dealing with this situation.
“There are Thuthuzela centers planted across South Africa, Thuthuzela centers are a one stop shop that women can go to for assistance,” she says.
Other places to contact if you are seeking help:
- Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800-150-150 National toll-free helpline for survivors, witnesses and perpetrators of gender-based violence.
- People Opposed to Woman Abuse (Powa) Helpline: 083 765 1235
- 24-hour toll-free helpline: 08000 55 555 Information, support and assistance to children and their families. Issues dealt with include
- physical and sexual abuse, substance abuse, behavioral problems, legal advice and trafficking.
- Sonke Gender Justice: 011 339 3589