Background: South Africa has the highest rate of GBV in the world, rooted in a complex interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and historical factors. Campaigns like #TotalShutdown, 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children, #Not in my name are comprehensive initiatives used to address GBV, thus emphasising the urgency for collective action. Such campaigns are core in demanding justice for victims, protecting their rights, and striving for global eradication of GBV. Engaging men in GBV preventative initiatives is critical.
Aim: To explore perceptions of university students on the inclusion of men in GBV prevention campaigns.
Objectives: To determine the perceptions of university students regarding the inclusion of men in GBV prevention campaigns, to determine their understanding of GBV and the importance of GBV prevention campaigns and the role of multi-gender approach (MGA) in the GBV prevention campaigns.
Methodology: Qualitative approach using the Social Learning Theory and Feminist Theory frameworks. Sixteen 3rd year Psychology and Criminology students (10 females/6 males) aged between 22 and 29 years were sampled. Thematic Analysis approach was used to analyse data.
Results: The results indicate that students had adequate understanding of GBV and prevention campaigns which informed their perceptions. They supported the inclusion of men in GBV prevention campaigns and advocated for MGA aimed at increasing awareness, protecting the rights of GBV victims and demanding justice for them. MGA was perceived as core in championing, intensifying the fight against GBV to its extinction. Community-based initiatives in GBV prevention campaigns were also seen as crucial in the eradication of GBV.
Conclusion: There was a quest for transformation in GBV and engagement of men and boys to change their social practices and attitudes towards women and children. GBV prevention initiatives promotes the inclusion of men in GBV prevention campaigns paramount to reducing the pandemic in South Africa.