IFPNP International Dialogue Prim-Rose Makhosazane Shabane

Structural Violence and Power 

On January 16, 2025, Ms. Prim-Rose Makhosazane Shabane (Dudu), a lecturer at the Durban University of Technology's International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON), presented on "Structural Violence and Power" as part of the International Dialogue of the International Online Fellowship Program on Nonviolence and Peace (IFPNP).

The event was organized by Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan in collaboration with Gandhi International France;Academic University College for Non-Violence, Lebanon;MGM University, Aurangabad ;International Centre for Non-violence, Durban University of Technology

and Portland Community College, Oregon.

Prof. Dorcas Ettang, Director I/C of ICON, DUT,South Africa introduced the guest speaker.Ms. Shabane's presentation drew from her doctoral thesis, "Negotiating Identity: The Experiences of Black Self-Identified Lesbian Youth in Township and Rural Contexts of KwaZulu-Natal." She explored how structural violence is embedded in the schooling system, focusing on three themes:

1. Fostering a way of life through traditional, cultural, and religious beliefs.

2. Sexuality as a shaming and immoral behavior.

3. Violence, trauma, and resilience.

Ms. Shabane emphasized the need for internal change to address these issues. The presentation sparked a lively discussion, with participants from Gambia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Lebanon sharing their experiences.

Prof. Michael Sonnleitner noted that cultural violence is often a byproduct of tradition. Dr. Siby K. Joseph, Director of IFPNP, chaired the session and thanked Ms. Shabane for sharing her field experience and highlighted the need for societal acceptance of differences.