Fostering Gender Equality and Alternatives to Violence: Perspectives on a Gender-Transformative Community Mobilisation Programme in Rural South Africa

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Citation

Treves-Kagan, Sarah; Maman, Suzanne; Khoza, Nomhle; MacPhail, Catherine Lorne; Peacock, Dean J.; Twine, Rhian; Kahn, Kathleen; Lippman, Sheri A.; & Pettifor, Audrey E. (2020). Fostering Gender Equality and Alternatives to Violence: Perspectives on a Gender-Transformative Community Mobilisation Programme in Rural South Africa. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 22(Suppl. 1), 127-144. PMCID: PMC7905832

Abstract

Gender-based violence and violence against children are significant problems in South Africa. Community mobilisation and gendertransformative programming are promising approaches to address and reduce violence. A quantitative evaluation of One Man Can, a gender-transformative community mobilisation programme in South Africa, found mixed results in increasing gender-equitable behaviours and reducing violence. To better understand these findings, we analyse longitudinal qualitative data from community mobilisers, community members and community action teams, exploring individual and community-level factors that facilitate and hinder change. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed and analysed. Participants self-reported changes in their gender-equitable attitudes and use of violence as a result of participation in the programme, although some participants also reported opposition to shifting to a more gender-equitable culture. Facilitators to change included the internalisation of gender-transformative messaging and supportive social networks, which was buoyed by a shared vocabulary in their community generated by One Man Can. Because the programme targeted a critical mass of community members with gender-transformative programming, mobilisers and community action teams were held accountable by community members to model non-violent behaviour. Results reinforce the importance of addressing facilitators and barriers to change at both individual and community levels.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2019.1650397

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2020

Journal Title

Culture, Health & Sexuality

Author(s)

Treves-Kagan, Sarah
Maman, Suzanne
Khoza, Nomhle
MacPhail, Catherine Lorne
Peacock, Dean J.
Twine, Rhian
Kahn, Kathleen
Lippman, Sheri A.
Pettifor, Audrey E.

Article Type

Regular

PMCID

PMC7905832

Continent/Country

South Africa

ORCiD

Pettifor - 0000-0002-3387-0817
Treves-Kagan - 0000-0003-0369-6288