Khanya College held a writing workshop for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors and Community Health Activists (CHAs) at PUSH drop-in centre in Eldorado Park. The session was attended by 36 participants.

The aim of the workshop was to strengthen participants’ writing skills and support them to write about the health and gender-based violence (GBV) issues affecting their communities. The session focused on basic writing skills, particularly the “5 Ws and H” – Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. Participants were also introduced to the basic elements of journalism, the importance of using sources, how to use sources correctly, and the need to report accurate information.

Participants were encouraged to identify key issues in their communities and write short articles about them. When looking at possible articles that could be covered under health and GBV, a number of important social issues were raised during the discussion. This included conditions in households that lead to children going to school under unhygienic conditions – not bathing, not wearing clean school uniform which affect their dignity and well-being.

Other issues included the use of substance abuse, where addicts steal manhole covers to sell in scrab yards, leaving manholes open which puts community members, particularly children at risk of falling inside.

Unemployment was identified as a major socio-economic issue affecting young people and families. Participants said that many young people experience stress, hopelessness and poor mental health because they cannot find work. Poverty and unemployment have also resulted in many community members depending on feeding schemes for their daily meals.

Environmental problems were also raised a big social determinants of health. Participants raised concerns about rubbish being dumped throughout the area. They also said that nappies are often thrown in open spaces, creating further health risks. When the rubbish is constantly burnt, the fumes also affect people’s health, especially those who struggle with asthma.

Participants highlighted that many women do not fully understand what GBV is. They explained that there is still limited understanding that GBV includes not only physical violence, but also emotional and financial abuse. Participants stressed the need for more education and awareness on GBV.

The lack of proper policing was another concern. Participants raised that police stations often claim they do not have vehicles to respond to cases of violence and crime, yet police vans are often seen in the area without responding to community needs. There’s also lack of counselling and support services for women and children who are facing domestic abuse.

The water crisis and unmaintained sewerage systems are also a big health concern, especially in the flats, ground floor units always smell of sewerage because of leaking and blocked systems.

Overall, the workshop gave participants practical writing skills and an opportunity to reflect on the issues affecting their communities. By the end of the session, participants had applied what they had learned by writing and submitting articles on health and GBV issues.