02 April – Gender

Today we spoke to Mpho Mathebula – from Men as Partners in Macassar. The Men as Partners program grew out of an urgent need to foster constructive male involvement strategies to effectively respond to the twin epidemics of HIV/AIDS and violence against women which currently threaten the lives of millions of South Africans. Mpho told us more on how they challenge the attitudes and behaviors held by men on HIV/AIDS and violence against women and children. For more information contact their offices on (021) 365 0880 or Jaco Brink - MAP Coordinator at (021) 808 3136 alternatively Rodney Fortuin - Programme Officer at EngenderHealth on (021) 4488126.

We were also joined by Lynette Lerm – Training Manager at the Cape Women’s Forum. Their mission is to contribute to the building of a motivated and skilled agricultural workforce in South Africa through the provision of high quality accredited outcome-based training and development programs that enable learners to obtain credits towards a formal national qualification aligned to the National Qualifications Framework. Lynette explained more about the training they provide. For more information contact (021) 883 2490 or visit www.cwf.co.za

We also spoke to Commissioner Yvette Abrahams – from the Commission on Gender Equality. The commission conducted an in-depth countrywide study on experiences of widowhood in different cultures and in different geographic areas in South Africa. They recently released the findings of the Widowhood Project which highlighted the plight of many widows and widowers in the Western Cape who have experienced gross violation of their constitutional rights after the death of a spouse. Discrimination, abuse, harassment and hate speech are common experiences during widow(er)hood. The commissioner told us more about the findings and what can be done in addressing some of the identified challenges. Remember all widows and widowers have the right to full and equal enjoyment of the rights and freedoms as stated in the Constitution. If you more information about the Commission on Gender Equality contact their offices on (021) 426-4080 or visit www.cge.org.za

We closed off the show with an interview with Pamela Stretton – an artist. Pamela will be exhibiting at the João Ferreira Gallery opening tonight at 6PM. She says her artwork deals predominantly with the female body, focusing on issues such as beauty ideals and the body’s relationship with popular culture, fashion, health and food. She told us more about it and also the exhibition. It opens today and will be up till the 26th of April 2008. The João Ferreira Gallery is at number 70 Loop Street in Cape Town. For more information go to www.joaoferreiragallery.com or contact (021) 423 5403.

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