Empathy was at the centre of Sunday's insightful conversation between the housemates and a wellness counsellor. In a myth-busting and deeply moving session, wellness counsellor Lebohang Mapanya, a dedicated mental health advocacy and awareness officer, entered the Big Brother house to spark conversations on gender-based violence (GBV) and mental wellness. The dialogue was a powerful mix of education, empowerment, and solidarity, leaving housemates and viewers with invaluable insights into one of society’s most pressing issues. Here’s a closer look at the session and the critical topics discussed.
What is gender-based violence?
Mapanya began by defining GBV, framing it as harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. GBV encompasses a range of abuses, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm. GBV isn’t just an individual issue, the housemates learned. It’s a societal problem deeply rooted in power imbalances, discrimination, and harmful cultural norms.
The session highlighted how gender-based violence disproportionately affects women, girls, and members of marginalised communities, emphasising that it thrives in silence and societal complacency. The session underscored the importance of naming and understanding GBV as a first step toward dismantling it.
Seeing as the session aimed to foster a dialogue, the housemates added their takes. Abobo highlighted how cat calling can consistute sexual harrassment, Tyrone touched on 'corrective' sexual assault that impacts the LGBTQIA+ community, while this week's Head of House Sipha Lee, added that heterosexual males are just as vulnerable to both GBV and sexual assault.
Exploring the types of GBV
Mapanya’s discussion unpacked the various forms of GBV, each as devastating as the next:
- Physical violence: Acts such as hitting, slapping, or any form of physical harm.
- Sexual violence: Including rape, sexual harassment, and exploitation.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Manipulation, threats, and controlling behaviour that erode a person’s mental wellbeing.
- Economic abuse: Controlling access to financial resources, thereby limiting autonomy and independence.
To expand on these types, Mapanya shared real-life examples, making the issues tangible and relatable. Her narrative painted a vivid picture of how GBV manifests in everyday life, breaking the myth that it only occurs in extreme or isolated situations.
Unpacking sexual violence: myths and realities
A significant portion of the session was devoted to sexual violence, a particularly pervasive and misunderstood form of GBV. Mapanya dispelled common myths, such as the idea that sexual violence is provoked by the victim’s behaviour or appearance. The responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator, the faves learned.
She delved into the prevalence of sexual violence, citing alarming statistics that underscore its pervasiveness. Mapanya also emphasised the psychological toll it takes on survivors, from post-traumatic stress disorder to anxiety and depression. “Survivors often carry an invisible burden,” she noted, “which is why empathy, understanding, and access to mental health resources are critical.”
The causes and far-reaching impact of GBV
Mapanya’s session also explored the root causes of GBV, identifying cultural norms, gender inequality, and systemic failures as key contributors. The section covered how GBV isn’t just an individual act of violence, and rather a symptom of a society that perpetuates unequal power dynamics.
She went on to discuss the multifaceted impact of GBV:
- Physical impact: Injuries, chronic health conditions, and even death.
- Psychological impact: Trauma, depression, and other mental health challenges.
- Social impact: Isolation, stigma, and strained relationships.
- Societal impact: Economic losses and perpetuation of gender inequality.
Housemates were visibly moved as they reflected on how these impacts ripple beyond individuals, affecting families, communities, and entire societies.
Supporting survivors and promoting mental wellbeing
A crucial part of the session focused on support for survivors. Mapanya stressed the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors feel heard and validated. Listening without judgment is one of the most powerful things you can do, the faves heard.
She also highlighted the role of mental health services in the healing process, encouraging survivors to seek therapy and counselling. For those supporting survivors, she recommended patience and sensitivity, reminding them that recovery is a journey, not a destination.
A call to action: driving change
As the session drew to a close, Mapanya left housemates and viewers with a powerful call to action: Each of us has a role to play in ending GBV. As such, she outlined actionable steps, including:
- Educate yourself and others: Understanding GBV is the first step toward meaningful change.
- Challenge harmful norms: Speak out against sexist jokes, stereotypes, and behaviours.
- Support survivors: Offer compassion and guide them to professional resources.
- Advocate for policy change: Push for laws and policies that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Engage communities: Foster dialogue and awareness at the grassroots level.
Mapanya also encouraged viewers to share GBV-related resources on social media, amplifying the message and fostering a broader culture of accountability and support. Support is available with resources such as;
- People Opposing Woman Abuse (POWA) - 011 591 6803.
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) - 0800 567 567.
- Sonke Gender Justice - 0800 150 150.
- Thuthuzela Care Centres - 016 428 5959.
- The South African Police Service (SAPS) - Dial 10111.
Big Brother Mzansi season 5 is broadcast live 24/7 on DStv channel 198, which you can stream here. Sunday eviction shows are at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic. To join the conversation on social media platforms, use the hashtag #BBMzansi and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok!
Big Brother Mzansi season 5 is proudly sponsored by headline partner LottoStar and tactical partner Robertsons Spices.