The Deputy Minister of Social Development launches Men Championing Change Programme in Durban, Province of Kwazulu-Natal
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu in partnership with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Men’s Sector will on Friday, 24 August 2018 launch Men Championing Change Programme in Ballito, Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The launch will take place as part of the Men’s Summit scheduled to take place from 24 to 26 August 2018.
The Men Championing Change Programme is a social and behaviour change initiative targeting men and boys with the goal to address the social and structural drivers of HIV, Tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections. Key focus areas also include engaging men and boys through advocacy and social mobilisation campaigns to prevent and to confront the scourge of rape culture and gender-based violence in South Africa. This initiative is linked to the Department of Social Development’s key role in the implementation of Goal 4 of the National Strategic Plan on HIV, AIDS and STIs and the goals envisioned in the National Development Plan.
Globally, it is recognised that gender inequality, harmful cultural practices and beliefs influenced by patriarchal norms and toxic masculinity are some of the social and structural factors that drive gender-based violence and the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The Men Championing Change Programme will be implemented in all provinces under the banner of Takuwani Rime, an interactive men’s movement that seeks to confront gender inequality and harmful cultural practices including social norms that contribute to risky sexual behaviours and violence against women.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event scheduled as follows:
Date: Friday, 24 August 2018
Venue: eBandla Hotel and Conference Centre, Ballito-Province of KwaZulu-Natal
Time: 10h00-16h00
Media can RSVP:
Nomfundo Lentsoane
Cell: 081 829 0983
E-mail: NomfundoLe@dsd.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: LumkaO@dsd.gov.za
