Date : |
03 December 2009 |
Time : |
15:15 |
Gender Against Men is a documentary film that exposes the hidden world of sexual and gender-based violence against men in the conflicts of the Great Lakes Region. It recognises the inter-dependence of women and men, and makes the case that you cannot help women if you do not work with men also. The film demonstrates how male identities are under attack and how rape when used as a weapon of war affects husbands, fathers, brothers and the community. The film is a production of the Refugee Law Project, Faculty of Law, Makerere University (Uganda). Following the film, a facilitated panel will respond to critical questions as to why such a film raises relevant issues in the context of the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children. The panel discussion aims to broaden the focus from “gender” as a women’s issue, to an inclusive paradigm that considers how gender is used to harm both men and women. Some issues raised by the film are: When are men the victims? How is masculinity and femininity mobilised to target the enemy’s sense of self? What is the relationship between personal vulnerability, militarisation, and the descent into violence? What are the long-term social implications of boys learning that the only real power comes from the barrel of a gun? The panel discussion will consist of the following members:
Chair of panel discussion: Dr Michele Ruiters, Development Bank of Southern Africa. The audio presentation from the seminar is available for download Venues HSRC Cape Town: 12th Floor, Plein Park Building (Opposite Revenue Office), Plein Street, Cape Town. Contact Vuyo Ngxubaza, on +27 (0)21 466 8099 HSRC Durban: 1st floor boardroom, 750 Francois Road, Ntuthuko Junction, PODS 5 and 6, Cato Manor, Durban. Contact Johannes Khoele on +27 (0)31 242 5400 HSRC Pretoria: Video Conference Room, 1st floor, HSRC Library, HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street Pretoria. Contact Arlene Grossberg on +27 (0)12 302 2801 or Baby Twala on +27 (0)12 302 2368 |