This exciting new workshop was designed and developed by founder and CEO, Debi Steven. Debi worked very closely with young people in South Africa, India and the United Kingdom, listening to their questions, concerns and lived experiences, focusing particularly on how the patriarchy and unhealthy masculinity impacts all of our lives.
Focus during training was also given to unpacking how deeply entrenched patriarchal structures are in the Diepsloot community.
The following is some of the feedback received from the trainers:
“I now know that the media I consumed, the history I have learned and some law enforcements that I believed in, (not to exclude the language I practiced everyday) was painted with patriarchy and gendered masculinity gestures. I am now considerate and mindful of what I say and how I say it. It has helped me challenge behaviours of my male friends around women”
“I believe we should all be equal and treat each other with respect. I believe we can break this social system if we can recognize that we are all human and we should be equal and we need each other. As a society we need to create a world/environment that is free from gender stereotyping, hatred, injustice, judgement and inequality a place where men and women can be free to be themselves without judgements.”
“I am raising a boy child and I will make sure that I teach him how to be a great man who is kind, generous, loving and have respect for each and every human being. I will teach him that in everything that he does with other people, he must ask for CONSENT. I will make him understand that everything starts as a joke and can end up harming the next person.
I am very grateful to have taught this manual and I hope that it doesn't only bring change to my household but to every child that got the opportunity to be part of the programme.”
“The workshop has encouraged me to be more aware of how unhealthy masculinity penetrates through various unrealistic societal pressures and outdated cultural norms. The workshop has assisted in reinforcing the importance of self-love, as well as emphasizing the need for boundaries in order to preserve self-protection.”