Patrons who took part in a series of Tavern Dialogues on gender-based violence show an increased awareness of the issue, and a willingness to do something about it, according to an assessment report conducted by NGO Mzansi Act Now.
The report assessed the responses of participants before and after the sessions and showed a shift in attitudes.
The Tavern Dialogues were held under the banner of the National Liquor Traders in 100 taverns in GBV hotspots in Gauteng, North West and KwaZulu-Natal over the past year, with Mzansi Act Now facilitating and supported by Distell. Tavern Dialogues were also held in the Western Cape, but these did not form part of the report.
A total of 1 881 people took part in the sessions in seven key townships over a five-month period.Before the sessions, just 30% of participants said they could see the importance of eradicating GBV, only 10% said they knew of someone who had been a victim of abuse, and only 10% said they would report cases of GBV in their area.
But once they had taken part in the dialogues, in which patrons were taken through an educational process and awareness training on GBV, including an assessment of their knowledge, behaviour and attitude towards GBV, they showed greater awareness.
After the sessions, 100% of respondents agreed it was important to eradicate GBV, 80% said they were aware of someone who had suffered abuse and 100% said they would report cases of abuse in future.Awareness and a shift in attitudes are only the beginning of the behavioural change journey, however, and this requires continued engagement and support.
The programme is based on a best-practice, multi-sectoral model for the prevention of and response to GBV in communities and post-conflict settings.The underlying principle recognises the rights and needs of survivors as pre-eminent, ensuring access to respectful and supportive services, guarantees of confidentiality and safety, and the ability to determine a course of action for addressing the GBV incident.
Key characteristics of the multi-sectoral model include the full engagement of the community, interdisciplinary and inter-organisational cooperation, and collaboration and coordination among the health, psychosocial, legal, and security sectors.
The Tavern Dialogues have identified opportunities to promote active participation of the community and local and national government in GBV assessment and programme planning.To this end, community meetings on GBV issues continue and are held regularly to gather information and continue education.
Brigades have also been set up to ensure continued advocacy and support.Convenor of the National Liquor Traders, Lucky Ntimane, said taverns were important social hubs in townships and had a leading role to play in influencing positive behaviour and upholding community values.
“Our taverns need to be safe spaces for positive social interaction, which is why, along with these Tavern Dialogues, we also have a Responsible Trader programme, to ensure outlets promote a culture of responsible drinking.
“Through these Tavern Dialogues, we are able to reach men and encourage them to lead in changing the behaviour of those who abuse women and children. The Tavern Dialogues are held in areas with the highest incidence of GBV as reported by the Minister of Police in the crime statistics,” Ntimane said.
Distell Southern Africa MD Wim Buhrmann said the company was committed to promoting a culture of responsible alcohol use and working for a better South Africa.“We will continue to partner with government and industry to be a catalyst for positive behavioural change that makes a lasting difference. The Tavern Dialogues are just one example of how we can do this successfully.”
