Addressing gender-based violence in Umlazi, Ward 83 Durban
Date
2023
Authors
Khuzwayo, Zanele Maureen
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Abstract
Extensive research has pointed to ongoing and increasing gender-based violence
internationally and in South Africa. The rampant escalation of gender-based violence in many
South African townships is of particular concern. The main focus of this study was to
investigate the experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs regarding gender-based
violence of a sample of men and women living in Ward 83 in the township of Umlazi, in
KwaZulu-Natal. This study looked beyond the dichotomy of women as victims and men as
perpetrators, with a focus on understanding how society constrains and enables individual
agency around gender-based violence and decision-making and how behaviour is affected by
social norms and expectations.
This study identified the sources of the attitudes and beliefs expressed by the chosen sample
of community members in Umlazi using a participatory action research approach and
implemented a programme of action aimed at preventing and reducing the prevalence of
gender-based violence in the township through behaviour and attitudinal change. Men play
an active role in shaping women's identities and controlling their behaviour. For this reason,
the study included men living in the area.
This study is situated in the social constructionist framework since the researcher was
interested in understanding the experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of a sample
of men and women as described by them. This framework allows for the interpretation of
gender, culture and social factors that shape identities and actions.
The choice of a small sample is based on the intention to produce rich, in-depth qualitative
data. The participants consisted of seven females and five males ranging in age from twentyone to fifty years old, since this study focused on the experiences of the adult community of
Umlazi. The two main research methods employed were individual semi-structured
interviews and focus group discussions. The results were interpreted and analysed using
thematic analysis.
The findings of this study revealed that gender-based violence in this community manifested
itself in various forms. However, I classified the consequences of gender based violence into
two broad categories: physical and psychological. Scholars of gender and violence argue that there is no single factor that causes gender-based violence but rather an array of factors that
raises the likelihood that a man in a particular setting may act violently towards a woman.
Significantly, it emerged in this study that the main causes of gendered violent behaviour
were associated with social norms, substance abuse and constructions of masculinity. The
effects of gender-based violence were acute and immediate physical injuries and
psychological trauma. The women mentioned feelings of depression and anxiety and suicidal
thoughts. The abuse also impacted their self-worth and self-esteem. This study recommends
an integrated comprehensive approach of all stakeholders in the form of community based
intervention programmes towards the eradication gender-based violence.
Description
Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Management Science Specialising in Public Administration (Peacebuilding), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.
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DOI
https://doi.org/10.51415/10321/4820