The South African Men's Action Group (SAMAG) together with Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) held a men's summit at Moletji Moshate in Limpopo province looking at the link between gender – based violence (GBV) and HIV and AIDS. Men from different districts of the province gathered at the Tribal Hall to discuss on how to combat the scourge of GBV.
The major discussion points related how patriarchy contributes to GBV and the hence spread of HIV. Also on how other structural societal contributors such as substance abuse, the lack of male of role models' in society, poor information on human rights and equality and the poor socialisation of boys are contributory factors when it comes to the commission of GBV and the spread of HIV.
Discussions also centred on how Male Medical Circumcision could be promoted as a strategy to help in the combating of the spread of HIV and AIDS. At the end of the session, men pledged to organise themselves in communities to work against GBV and violence against women. A pledge was read by all men present committing themselves to be true partners in society and positive role models.
