Gender equity and reconciliation

A two-day workshop on gender equity and reconciliation at the Chrysalis Academy in Tokai hosted by the international NPO, Gender Equity and Reconciliation International (GERI), brought together local NPO Genderworks, the Chrysalis Academy and the provincial government.

Developed over 30 years across six continents, the GERI methodology has been enriched by South Africa’s own Truth and Reconciliation process, with the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu formally endorsing the GERI programme in 2013, as an important process in reclaiming our common humanity.

As lead minister for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Western Cape, provincial Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, invited provincial and local government officials together with stakeholders to participate in the workshop from 21 to 22 August 2023.

This is the first time GERI has provided training to such a big and diverse cohort of government officials in South Africa.

"The root causes of many GBV incidents are patriarchy and toxic masculinity as a consequence of years of conditioning. The more we learn and understand about toxic masculinity and patriarchy, the better equipped we are to seek solutions to effectively deal with the scourge of GBV,” says Minister Fernandez.

Minister Fernandez added: “It has become urgent and important for the Western Cape Government to be intentional and lead from the front in learning how to restore gender imbalances, resulting in peace and reducing violence in our homes, communities, and workplaces. My hope is that we now impart what we have learned in our workplaces, so we can create safer spaces for all employees and be better public servants. Ultimately we plan to have similar workshops in communities so there may be a widespread cultural and behavioral shift across the province.”

Chrysalis Academy’s CEO, Dr Lucille Meyer, says they were honoured to be the hosts of this unique learning experience.

“Minister Fernandez’s and the other officials’ willingness to take part in this program, shows provincial government takes GBV seriously. The officials were willing to share their own experiences of gender imbalance that is so pervasive across society and were willing to unlearn and learn. It is not easy work and it takes a great deal of courage,” says Dr Meyer.

For anyone in need of GBV-related support services, these can be accessed by visiting your nearest DSD office, or by contacting one of our funded NPO partners. Services can also be accessed by calling the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428. More information about services can be found on helpformen.co.za.