One of the objectives of the Safe taverns Project, launched by the Young women for life in 2017, is to transform the perception of taverns from being seen as unsafe drinking dens to vibrant community hubs that play a vital economic and social role in marginalized settlements.
Taverns is transforming social spaces. From 12 taverns to a movement, we’re reclaiming these spaces for positive community dialogues on gender equality. The agreement w/ tavern owners: No underage alcohol sales + zero tolerance for GBVH.”
Through a collaborative process involving shebeen owners, community members, and a design team, the project has developed a system of visual symbols representing house rules and acceptable behaviors to promote a culture of safety and respect within these informal taverns.
By empowering shebeen owners with customized toolkits including rule posters, stickers, whistles, and warning cards, the project enables them to clearly communicate and enforce the rules they feel are most critical for maintaining order and reducing alcohol-related harms.
The creative, participatory approach has fostered a sense of solidarity among clients in the taverns, who now view each other not just as competitors but as colleagues jointly responsible for upholding standards in the taverns and ensuring that their communities experience a change in attitudes and behaviour regarding gender based violence.
Ultimately, the Safe taverns Project seeks to demonstrate that with the right interventions, these often-stigmatized establishments can become positive forces for recreation, livelihoods, and social cohesion in the townships they serve.
