Firstly, let rather state that from the beginning that I am aware and fully acknowledge my very own privileges. I'm also aware of the backlash that will come with this piece, but as a young black man, I just can't fold my arms and watch while our sisters suffer in the hands of those whom are supposed to be their shield.
Living in a society that teaches a young boy growing up that it is being "sissy" to express your pain, a real man keep his pain to himself. A society that ridicule a woman for being "underdressed" instead of the perpetrator. Men who rise up in arms when we tackle racism but disappear when it's time to battle feminism. Isn't that hypothetical? Selective activists.
When women defend themselves, we as men jump in and describe them as angry and aggressive. 1 in 3 women in South Africa are is a victim of rape. Do you then expect a polite and humble approach in fighting this war?
Every year, we sing the same song during women's month ( in August), leaders take centre stage and use nice and flowering English words in describing the significant role women play in our communities. Selling people dreams but implementations of those plans..... Dololo! Women have to go back to the kitchen, and men continue to abuse them.
A couple of things us men need to do:
1. Accept and understand the privileges that we carry.
2. Use those privileges to help empower and open enough space for women.
3. Help fight patriarchy
4. Educate each other and young boys on how to treat women.
With all that being said, understand that this is not our own movement, let us not try to own it. Assist but don't lead the movement.
Rapist roam around the streets preying on young girls and we are quiet. Oh! As long as it is not my daughter or my sister, right? That child deserves a bright future too.
Either you man up and fight for our women or stand at the fence and watch, history will judge you.
Emanuel Madubandlela
