An investigation of the causes of gender based violence in Kwa-Nongoma area

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Date
2012
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University of Zululand
Abstract
The study aimed at critically examining the causes of gender-based violence in Kwa- Nongoma. This study defines gender-based violence (GBV) as violence that is directed to a person on the basis of gender or sex. It includes acts that inflict physically, mentally, sexual harm or suffering; threats such as cohesion; and other deprivation of liberty. It also includes sexual violence, sex trafficking, forced prostitution, spousal abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, infanticide of female children, and discriminatory practice based on gender. For data collection purposes, the study used qualitative research method which allows researcher to interview targeted respondents. The targeted population were all people from the age of fifteen (15) to one hundred years (100). Among other things, the study revealed that the majority of respondents are aware of gender-based violence in the community. This violence includes a wide range of violations of women’s human rights, including trafficking in women and girls, rape, wife abuse, sexual abuse of children, and harmful cultural practices and traditions that irreparably damage girls and women’s reproductive and sexual health. Additionally, the results proved that the majority of GBVcase are directed towards women and girls but a few boys and men are also victims. Among other things highlighted, the respondents indicated that GBV encompasses the following forms of GBV:  Physical, sexual, and psychological violence occurring in the family, including battering, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse of children in the household, dowryrelated violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women, non-spousal violence, and violence related to exploitation;  Physical, sexual, and psychological violence occurring within general community, including rape; sexual abuse; sexual harassment and robbery. In order to eradicate gender-based violence, respondents revealed that there is an urgent need for government to create job opportunities in the area. For instance the respondents suggested that there is a need for a garden projects which would help minimise poverty in the area. The respondents also revealed that through the garden project, they would be in a position to grow vegetables, maize, spinach, carrots etc. which they would sell to the tourists and other people. Additionally, the respondents indicated that shortage of job opportunities in the area is seen as a threat that perpetrates gender violence in the area. The respondents suggested that there is a need for a poultry project which would help eradicate poverty in the area. The respondents also revealed in the aforementioned study, they would be in the position to rear chickens both broilers and layers. They also indicated that the poultry project would be used as a place where white meat is produced for the community as a whole.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Work in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2012.
Keywords
Gender based violence
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