Men as Allies

When I consider that my fellowship incorporates gender and public policy, it is only appropriate that I take some time to reflect on my experiences as a young woman in another country.

I had an opportunity to meet the Director of Public Policy at my internship, and soon learn that we’ll be sharing an office space. He introduced himself and explained that he’s been anticipating my arrival for some time. I explain that I recently graduated from Columbia while we are shaking hands and he begins to shake my hand even harder. “Wow, Columbia! We’re very lucky to have you with us.” I smile and say thanks (Go, Lions!).

My department (and future project) focuses on the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. While talking to the Director, we casually run through our CV’s. He asks himself out loud “What else is there to say? Well, why did I go into this work?” and I reply “Probably the same reason I did”. We laugh and agree there is satisfaction in work when it helps others.

Later during an afternoon meeting, the topic of discussion is Guyana’s new public policy regarding sexual assault. One member explains why he believes the new legislation is “bad policy” and “doesn’t reflect the culture of Guyana”. He further explains that on the ground, this policy would put every other man in jail. I take time to realize the conversation has been dominated by men. The Director explains why he disagrees. His words echoed with me all day: “We always treat sexual assault as a women’s issue. But if the majority of abuse is committed by men, then it’s our issue too. It’s up to us, men, to end it.”

I wanted to yell “Amen, brethren!” I wanted to hug him for acknowledging his power and privilege; hi-five him for his commitment to being an ally to the women of his homeland…
I sat in my seat and nodded my head.

I want to take you home Mr. Director. I want you to use your dedication to rally men in the USA for this cause. But, there’s work to be done here- and by my impressions, you’re mighty good at it.

Gender Issues in South Africa

I am now into my third week of working with the FW De Klerk Foundation here in Cape Town, South Africa.  Everyone at the office is incredibly warm and kind, and I have the utmost respect for what the Foundation is trying to do: support the Constitution and its foundation for a new South Africa, and support peace in multicultural societies.  The Foundation accomplishes its mission in various ways such as monitoring socio-political developments that go against constitutional values (i.e. serve as a kind of government watchdog), publishing reports and papers opposing anything that is unconstitutional, helping people to understand and claim their rights through pro-bono legal assistance, etc.

The project I am currently focusing on is trying to understand the discrepancy between the rights of women as laid out in the Constitution and as seen through the near equal representation of women and men in Parliament, versus how women are actually treated "on the ground."  While South Africa boasts equal rights, protection, freedoms, and representation for women in their laws and policies, it also has some of the highest rates of rape and other forms of violence against women in the world.  My job is to better understand why this discrepancy exists, and to provide suggestions on how to improve the situation for women.  There has been a plethora of research and papers written regarding this topic, so part of my challenge is to find the gaps and to add to, expand upon, challenge, or provide a different perspective on what already exists.

I have used the past couple of weeks to familiarize myself with the South Africa's history, people groups, cultures, and current events to get a sort of foothold for my project.  I visit the National Library and my local library often to do research, and last week attended a briefing at Parliament by the Commission for Gender Equality regarding their strategic plans and budget.  The briefing helped to get a better sense of how the government is addressing gender issues, and I was able to connect with a couple of committee members who I will hopefully be able to arrange meetings with.

Below are links to a couple of articles regarding violence against women and/or gender/sexuality issues in South Africa/Africa.

Article in today's NYT re: African women's soccer & homophobia:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/23/sports/soccer/in-african-womens-soccer-homophobia-remains-an-obstacle.html?hp

Recent incidence of gender-based violence in a Cape Town township:

http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2011/06/14/victim-of-hate

Article on corrective rape in South Africa:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/4982520/Lesbians-subjected-to-corrective-rape-in-South-Africa.html