Source: Sowetan
A FORMER war journalist and award-winning human rights activist and author Jimmie Briggs says a real man is someone who stands up and acts against abuse of women and children.

Briggs was addressing the youth at the Diepsloot Youth Centre near Midrand yesterday.

Briggs is on a short visit from the US and is speaking to men about acting against abuse at different events.

He started the Men UP campaign in 2010 to educate people about gender-based violence. Men UP raises awareness about abuse through arts and sports.

Briggs said though South Africa was said to be the world's rape capital, men's behaviour and mindset could still be transformed.

"Being a good guy is to stand up and defend women. We need to encourage people to stop violence against women," he said.

"I knew that abuse was intensive here but when I learned that a woman is raped every 17 seconds and killed every six hours I felt that no woman is safe in this country.

"It is about time we started talking to children about abuse and rape. By not talking about it in church and communities, we are encouraging it.

"We also need to increase punishment to the offenders," he said.

Briggs said consistent public dialogue will help in the fight against abuse.

"There cannot be fear on the media's side of being called negative when they report about rape. Talking about it and working to destigmatise abuse is important.

"Women also need to be encouraged to come forward and report abuse," he said.

Briggs also visited the African Token community development centre where he shared experiences and exchanged advice with facilitators.

Briggs will travel to Durban and Cape Town to speak about abuse there.

 

• South Africa