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Press statement on the death of Rutendo Jongwe
Padare/Enkundleni/Men's Forum on Gender
July 23, 2002

Padare /Enkundleni/ Men's Forum on Gender received the tragic death of Rutendo with regret. Learnmore's abusive behaviour, which directly led to the death of his wife Rutendo, shocked and disappointment us. In his public life, Learmnore Jongwe looked like a very promising National leader. He was admired by many for his clear thinking and articulation of issues of national concern. But his abusive action, just like most men in our society, is completely unjustified, unacceptable and must be condemned by all those tirelessly working for a democratic and gender just society.

There is no excuse that will justify men's abusive behaviour against women. Rutendo's tragic story mirrors the several unreported cases of men who continue to perpetrate violence against women in both public and private spaces.

Padare as an anti-sexist men's organisation condemns all forms of violence, particularly male violence against women. Learnmore's violence is a reflection of a crisis of manhood which men must take the responsibility to confront. We wish to call on all men in our country to reflect on their own abusive behaviour because male violence is our problem and it is our responsibility to stop it.

REAL MEN DO NOT ABUSE WOMEN

Jonah K. Gokova
Chairperson

Men of Quality are Not Afraid of Equality! — Real Men Do Not Abuse Women!

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