“I express my deepest appreciation to the coordinators and sponsors of the gender, peace and security program allowing me to attend this prestigious event. I feel ‘empowered’ to continue with my community of practice applying the learnings to influence visible change in South Africa on issues centred around gender inequalities and peace,” Enele Zulu, MEA South Africa, MATI 2024 Fellow.
What was the MATI 2024 Fellowship about?
The Gender, Peace and Security MATI 2024 training was an important gathering of experts, researchers and practitioners who are passionate about combating social ills related to gender, peace and security in their respective countries. Practitioners shared and reflected on personal anecdotes that has served as powerful learning experience. The training was rich in capturing variety of topics, organisations and countries, methodologies and theoretical interventions. The level of support to delegates and atmosphere was significant allowing a safe space to engage and speak on topics centred around violence.
Did the training resonate with the work you do in your community?
Reflecting on the training, there were substantial topics which focused on gender issues, first being that women and men experience violence in different ways during conflicts, which can lead to various challenges in peacebuilding efforts. The prevalence of gender-based violence and gender inequalities amongst men and women in South Africa, particularly in Kwa-Zulu Natal rural areas is deep rooted in traditional norms and other practices that perceive women inferior. My role as a Gender-based violence Coordinator is to collaborate and engage with the traditional leadership to conduct a community engagement for the community to understand their perceptions of GBV, their existing informal justice and how they address social issues. The follow up session was to conduct sensitization and awareness campaign within the community to challenge harmful gender norms, promote gender equality and peace within the community.
The highlight of peace inclusion process and collective efforts was the United Nations Security Council 1325 which highlights how integrating gender perspectives can enhance conflict resolution strategies and the Kinshasa declaration highlighting good governance on social ills and issues affecting the public. Discussions on the link between gender and conflict have been instrumental to enhance understanding using real life experiences. For example, in Congo, rape is used as a weapon in war/conflict. This then impacts on women’s perspectives on gender violence which are often overlooked in traditional dialogues. Fellow participants have shared experiences from grassroots movements which have been instrumental advocacy for gender equality in post-conflict settings. These movements showcase resilience and innovation in promoting peace.
What are your major takeaways from the training?
I had several personal takeaways to reflect on such as networking and interacting with fellow colleagues to share key insights on how to work collectively as teams, use and engage effectively with the data gathered and shared during experts presentations and using evidence-based research findings to enhance our programming. The in-person training also provided invaluable insight into the significance innovation taking place globally to reduce and prevent violence.
The second, is the importance of male allyship in preventing violence against women and girls all over the world. Initiatives targeting men and boys are essential in reshaping perceptions on masculinity and promoting non-violent behaviour.
The third, was the creative range of solutions applied to address gender violence which was diverse and multi-faced. I will strengthen my understanding into implementing the Human Rights Council resolution 35/10 which is significant in challenging human rights violations.
It was an absolute pleasure to spend a week with inspiring experts, researchers and practitioners making an impact in our local, national and international communities
Any Last words?
I would highly recommend my peers and coalitions to participate in the MATI program as it can offer them valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to creating a more peaceful, gender-equitable and secure world. Gender programs strive to advance gender equality and to empower individuals to participate fully in social, economic, spheres. In the current GBV landscape and prevalence in many sub-Saharan Africa, therefore, encouraging people to engage in gender programs they can solve gender issues, challenge stereotypes and advocate for the rights and opportunities of all genders.
By Enele Zulu, MATI 2024 Fellow