Transforming Mentalities Summit 2023: Addressing the Root Causes of Gender-Based Violence

The inaugural Transforming Mentalities Summit 2023, hosted by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, aims to address the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV) by challenging deeply ingrained societal norms and beliefs.

UNESCO’s Transforming Mentalities Initiative

The Transforming Mentalities Summit is based on UNESCO’s Transforming Mentalities Initiative, which seeks to create a world free of gender biases, stereotypes, violence, and discrimination by bringing about change in societal and cultural norms through policies, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.

The Urgency of Addressing GBV

A 2013 United Nations Multi-Country Study on Men and Violence reveals a pressing need for action, as between 10% and 62% of all interviewed men reported having raped a woman or girl in their lifetime. Additionally, over 75% of women aged 15 to 24 believe that there are conditions under which a man has rightful reasons to beat his wife. These deeply ingrained societal norms contribute to structural gender inequalities, with violence, aggressiveness, and sexual entitlement often considered appropriate expressions of “how to act like a man” in various societies.

GBV in South Africa

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the lifetime risk of experiencing gender-based violence for South African women is 45.6%, significantly higher than the global average of 35%. Additionally, sexual gender-based violence and intimate partner violence are among the most prevalent forms of GBV affecting young women aged 16-25 years as they are particularly vulnerable.

Joint Hosting and Key Representatives

The Transforming Mentalities Summit 2023 will be jointly hosted by HIGHER HEALTH and the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Science and Innovation. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, 29 August 2023, promises to be insightful and impactful, with key representatives from various sectors in attendance.

Keynote Address and Panel Discussion

Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande will deliver the keynote address at 13h00. Following his address, at 14h00, Minister Nzimande will be joined by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities of South Africa, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu; real GBV survivors; and peer educators for a panel discussion.

Engaging Men and Boys

The Transforming Mentalities Summit 2023 aims to engage men and boys directly, making a significant contribution to addressing the root causes of GBV. By raising awareness and fostering open dialogue about the complexities surrounding violence against women, the summit’s organizers and attendees are essential to paving the way for genuine change and creating a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow for women and girls everywhere.