Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and the founder of analytical psychology, described archetypes as the psychological and emotional energy patterns that are in the collective unconscious. These can manifest individually, in forms of physical symptoms, complexes, dreams, and patterns of behavior, or culturally in popular trends, music, and current economical and social events.

In South Africa,  we have seen a tremendous rise in the AIDS epidemic over the last few years, which has contributed to the current health and social welfare concerns.  An estimated 6 million out of the 45 million people in South Africa are living with HIV/AIDS, the highest officially recognized total of people in the world (South African Department of Health). But underneath this crisis may be a larger social injustice at play that needs attention: sexual violence and gender inequality.

Sexual violence is not a new phenomenon. Dating back to antiquity, women have always played a lesser role in society. Most myths and fairytales depict the feminine as a weak victim in need of rescue. Rape has been used as a medium of torture and humiliation in war, whether between countries or tribes. Sexual abuse is one of the most annihilating forms of enforcing power, one that strips away personal choice. It is most damaging in the context of a trusting relationship, such as in the case of child sexual abuse and spousal rape. Read More…

Posted under Gender equality