Browsing by Author "Silaule, Nichole"

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    Investigating policy exclusion of heterosexual male perpetrators in the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide
    (University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Silaule, Nichole; Chikane, Rekgotsofetse
    Gender-based violence (GBV) is not a minor novel societal challenge occurring in certain pockets of society. It is a pervasive global social justice issue, which transcends race, class, religion and geographical location. The policy exclusion of heterosexual male perpetrators within national policy presents a barrier to curbing gender-based violence and promoting social cohesion. A broad knowledge base exists regarding the drivers and implications of gender-based violence, however, there is a disconnect between gender-based violence national policy and the subjects inflicting the violence. This research therefore aims to broaden the discussion on the polarised narrative of heterosexual male perpetrators in the gender-based violence policy environment. A qualitative methodological approach is utilised to analyse the National Strategic Plan on Gender- based Violence and Femicide report and two associated reports in relation to the role and reference of heterosexual male perpetrators. Thematic content analysis and interpretive phenomenological analysis of the reports and 15 semi-structured interviews with government officials, non-governmental organisations and subject matter experts are methods used in the research to enhance the understanding of the data gathered. The intersectionality theory and ecological framework form the analytical lens shaping the research, these theories form the intersecting ecological factors at play informing policy and the policy stakeholders who passively and actively influence gender-based violence policy decisions. The findings show that factors in national policy formulation provide exclusionary barriers to heterosexual male perpetrators. The target group is not prevalent in stakeholder participation in consultations, patriarchal ideologies remain intact shaping gender-based violence and femicide policy. Local grassroots consultations with specific focus on un-converted heterosexual male perpetrators in various locations need to be provided platform. Also, applying inclusive gender transformative approaches in policy formulation are key determinates to effective policy implementation and inclusion of all policy stakeholders. In conclusion, the meaningful insights on gender-based violence perpetration will guide both future research and policy initiatives driven by government officials, civil society and private stakeholders in South African society