Public Relations As A Remedy To The #GBV Ailments!

 

                                                               “Source: A picture captured during the campaign of #GenderBasedViolence”

 

After having a decline in 2020, the issue of gender based violence has once again become one of the most popularly used buzzwords in South Africa. With the country now confronting an increase of about 9.6% compared to the stats South Africa once had in 2020. As a result of the current  unemployment  and high poverty rate in South Africa, more and more people are being left as victims of gender based violence.

Gender based violence continues to contribute negative impacts on the corporate social media space as most people pin the media as the broadcaster of virtual violent actions that results in the audiences wanting to practically do what they see being broadcasted either on T.V or any social media platform where the public relations practitioners in the corporate social media field are operating in.

 

"Source: A picture captured during a campaign of mixed males and females campaigning against #GBV”

 How Social Media Can Turn Into A DISADVANTAGE For Corporate PR During #GBV

"Source: A picture captured during a campaign of mixed males and females campaigning against #GBV”

Cyberstalking and the uploading of inappropriate photos of males and females are only two examples of how virtual spaces are often used to further direct attacks on males and females.

Due to its chaotic layout, invisibility, and broad reach, social media is a center of aggressive gender harassment.

Gender prejudice is influenced by a number of factors, including media representation of different genders. Through ads and images, the media promote gender roles and behavioral tendencies in men and women. Women are portrayed as dependent on men for everything from childcare to work-related duties, while men are shown to be more autonomous and less prone to show emotion. As a result, although the digital world affords us the chance to express ourselves through our e-identities, in practice, these settings only encourage us to replicate the gender norms and cultures that already exist in the actual world (Rose, et. al., 2012).

 

How Social Media Can Turn Into AN ADVANTAGE For Corporate PR During #GBV

Broadcasters/PR specialists may consider of presenting regular talk shows or interviews with professionals on a range of topics related to crimes against women and gender-based violence.

Those in the Corporate social media space can regularly host campaigns about gender based violence which will advocate for the curb and bring about an end to gender based violence.

The PR specialists can use their different social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and even the virtual platforms like Tiktok and YouTube to raise awareness about gender based violence and its impacts on society and general.

Recommendations for the strategic use of social media against #GBV

When giving out information for publication the PR specialists in the corporate social media space should at least concentrate on providing details on available support services, such as crisis centers, shelters, and urgent cares, and draw attention to inspiring tales of resiliency and empowerment because survivors are frequently change agents. Also, prominent reporting (main page) may aid in raising awareness of the problem.