Exploration of Perceptions of the Inclusion of the Boy Child in GBV Awareness Programmes: A Case Study of Gauteng North

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most prevalent human rights violations that transcend socio-cultural, class and economic boundaries. The study aimed to explore the perceptions of the inclusion of the boy child in awareness programmes in the hope of making a small contribution to educating the boy child in Bronkhornspruit on Gender- Based Violence in South Africa. The study was guided by the need to: explore how the boy child who formed part of a GBV programme, understand and view gender-based violence, explore the boy child’s opinion on the inclusion in the fight against gender-based violence, and to analyse the effects of gender-based violence awareness directed at the boy child. A qualitative approach and intrinsic case study research design was used. The researcher facilitated face-to-face interviews to gather information relevant to the study. Purposive sampling was used to l to select 28 secondary school learners and four educators as participants. An interview guide was used as a research instrument. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The findings indicate how the boy child views their inclusion in the fight against gender-based violence and how they view gender-based violence. The results showed how gender-based violence education and awareness need to be rolled out in schools to continue educating the boy child of their role in addressing gender-based violence issues. It also showed the role the community plays in informal education of gender-based violence and how “men” are expected to treat women. Also, GBV awareness programmes increase the boy learners understanding of GBV and reveals the dangers of GBV in their communities and it instils the desire to change in learners.