By Malikhanye Mankayi
From 20 to 22 August, the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) organised a three-day workshop focused on addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and other pressing social issues. The workshop aimed to break down the concept of GBV and provide tools to combat such societal ills.
Rooted in the Red Cross principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality and Independence, the workshop also highlighted the importance of gender protection and inclusion. Discussions emphasised the emotional strength of women and men, as well as the physical differences between genders. Volunteers, many from local communities and facing unemployment, were tasked with presenting these topics, offering a unique perspective on these issues.
The training went beyond theoretical discussions, delving into practical applications such as psychological first aid. Nandipha Linda, a provincial facilitator and provincial administrator for the Eastern Cape, gave an overview about the training programme. “This training is about how we respond in terms of psychological first aid when people are in crisis or facing disasters. We also focus on psychosocial support, which is crucial for mental health, as crises often lead to both physical and mental suffering,” said Linda.
The workshop also covered protection, gender inclusion (PGI) and hygiene promotion. The PGI component examined whether everyone is involved and treated fairly during a crisis, while hygiene promotion emphasised the importance of maintaining hygiene during disasters.
One of the workshop participants, Odwa Nzuzo, shared his experience. “Before this workshop, I didn’t know about psychological first aid. But now, I understand how vital it is to help those affected by disasters and crises. The focus on GBV has also helped us, especially men, to understand how to conduct ourselves around women and children,” said Nzuzo.
Despite the success of the workshop, challenges remain. SARCS struggles with limited funding, which hinders its ability to conduct more comprehensive training. “We have various programmes, including peer education, substance abuse, HIV and disaster management, but we lack the resources to expand them,” the facilitator explained.
Nombasa Ntsangani, another attendee, expressed her gratitude. “I learned so much during these days, especially about handling stress. We also assist the community during climate change-related events like flooding. This opportunity is a great opportunity for me,” said Ntsangani.
SARCS is open to new members. Anyone interested in joining can visit their local branch, such as the Makana branch in Grahamstown, and speak to the branch administrator. Membership fees are R50 for youth, R100 for ordinary members and R80 for pensioners.
The workshop not only equipped volunteers with essential skills but also highlighted the need for greater recognition and support for SARCS’ work. “Our services often go unnoticed, and we rely on donations to continue our work. We need more promotion and advocacy to sustain our efforts,” said Linda.
