Gail Mabalane and her husband Kabelo, joined the Carling Black Label #NoExcuse campaign against gender-based violence in 2021 and they doing their part in putting an end to the societal problem. The #NoExcuse movement was launched in 2017 and is aimed at driving awareness, creating conversations, and providing tools for people to take positive action as means of driving change. We had a chat with the actress on gender based violence.
Do you think we are doing enough as a country to tackle gender based violence?
Absolutely not. We are certainly having a lot more conversation, which is important, but this usually only happens when we become aware of another woman who has been a victim of gender based violence. A lot more can be done from a legislation perspective too. I love the #NoExcuse campaign, and the petition to change our wedding vows in South Africa. Changing the vows to include “I vow not to abuse” then becomes something that our men commit to on their wedding day, and also hear at a wedding they attend. We cannot shy away from this…GBV and IPV happens daily in our country…daily, women are being violated…by the minute. Whichever platform we can use to condemn this behavior, must be used.
How is Gail helping to stop GBV in her capacity?
I believe that having more open and honest conversations in our homes, families and immediate circles will go a long way. This is something I’ve become intentional about. We don’t turn a “blind eye” when it happens, and we engage and challenge those in our immediate circles. Lending my voice to campaigns like #NoExcuse also means I can use the little influence that I have to hopefully make a positive impact.
What do you love most about being a part of the #NoExcuse Campaign?
It’s no secret that GBV and IPV is a real pandemic in our country. From time to time this reality is highlighted by events that make it to the media. The truth is that many stories don’t make it to the media. Being part of this campaign means that I get to at least, in my own small way, keep this topic in the spotlight. I have great respect for the platform that I have been given and as someone with some level of influence, I’m privileged to lend my voice to initiatives that speak to me and are bigger than me. I know that even if only 1 person is impacted positively by my involvement in the campaign, that impact could extend to generations to come.
If you had all the power and resources to make a change, what would be that 1 change you would make to stop this social ill?
Firstly, my wish is for us as women to truly understand and get a true revelation that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. It was never God’s plan for us to be or feel like the “lesser gender”. There is a lot of liberty in this revelation. I would however use my power and resources to address the perpetrators, our men directly. Unfortunately, the root of this social ill is the perpetrators, and unless their behaviour changes, we will sadly continue having victims of GBV and IPV. I’m tired of hearing what we as women need to do to protect ourselves or how to reach out for help…the men need to start working on themselves to be better, do better and contribute positively to society.
As a mother, what are some values you will like to share with other parents in helping to raise children with the right mindset towards GBV from a young age.
I’m not qualified to advise parents on how to parent…I can only share my truth. For both my children, I pray that they will find their identity in Christ and know who they are in Him…in Him you are never less than. This revelation informs how we view ourselves and others. I also want my children to know that society may not always treat them as such, but they are equals. No gender is more superior than the other.