In the notion of the vulnerable in society as mainstreamed in various policy choices against gender-based violence lurks a warped and hideous social construct of infantilisation, writes Mashupye Maserumule. This demonstrated their fortitude, and their struggle continues as they still bear the brunt of social violence. Today, more than half a century later after their historic march to Pretoria, and almost three decades into democracy, these vices continue to be drivers of gender-based violence. And this is where social distemper lies but is often masked by characterising women and children as the vulnerable in society with the undertones of infantilisation. This conflates their being in the receiving end of gender-based violence and peddles stereotypes that they are inherently meek.

Source: News 24 August 09, 2022 17:01 UTC