UKZN’s CCMS and ARROWSA host gender-based violence exhibit at Durban City Hall
The Centre for Communication, Media and Society (CCMS) within the School of Applied Human Sciences, has partnered with Art A Resource for Reconciliation Over the World, South Africa (ARROWSA) on their They Stand Their Ground against gender-based violence (GBV) project that has culminated in a campaign installation at the Durban City Hall. The project is funded by the National Arts Council.
The installation promotes people standing their ground against gender-based violence. It includes two 'people' made from recycled materials - Deli and Thanaka- who were created by youth from ARROWSA Bechet and banners of Naledi made similarly by South Roots International and ‘She who stands her ground’ by Maggi Squire of Indra Congress.
This arts project saw youth from South Africa, India and the United Kingdom uniting to take a stand against GBV. It included young women such as Ms Ayanda Ngcobo of Durban Local History Museums and CCMS Masters student Ms Luyanda Makoba-Hadebe.
In light of Pride Month, Thanaka was also created to represent the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community. The installation is interactive and allows visitors to attach words of support that are available to Deli (who represents the domestic space) and Thanaka.
This creative exhibition also coincides with National Youth Month where the youth are encouraged to come up with creative and innovative ways of improving their skills, communicating their views, stance, vision and leadership.
CCMS honorary lecturer and ARROWSA Chair Dr Mary Lange said: "This project grew far beyond our expectations. Creativity sparked and the installation is the result and the start of a chain of similar installations across the globe with our partners. We are in talks with one of our UK partners Touchstones Rochdale about a version of this installation going to the UK later in the year. We believe we need to stand together as a community to chip away at the devastating daily numbers of gender-based violence. This is a community-driven stand, and this community knows no culture and no borders."
Ms Mohau Qalaza of the Durban Local History Museum said: "What particularly impressed me the most about this campaign, is the inclusion of the youth who painstakingly molded and bought Thanaka and Deli into striking and beautiful personas that they are. Their message against GBV including LGBTQ+ is clear and strong, and it is refreshing to hear their views regarding these unfortunate acts against humanity."
ARROWSA Bechet coordinator Mr Bheki Dlamini added: "Boys and men are also being abused and of course that is the topic that communities don’t touch or are not very vocal about and I suppose it is also because society has dictated that: men should be strong, men don’t cry. So, we wanted to bring out that there are men from the LGBTQ+ community that go through this abuse. It was important to acknowledge that we see you, we stand with you and we support you."
ARROWSA Bechet participant Ms Casey Spinner added: "Seeing it here in the City Hall I am trying hard not to scream! It is so good to see that our work paid off and that it has been placed in such a big place and I am glad that we took up the challenge."
For more information, please contact:
Ms Mary De Lange
CCMS Honorary Lecturer
[email protected]
(082) 652 7091