Take a stand against gender-based violence
November 25 marked the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, which runs until December 10.
The 2019 campaign was officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Limpopo under the theme “Enough is Enough – 356 Days to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)”.
Over this period, different government departments and NGOs will be convening a series of imbizos on violence against women and children, aimed at encouraging South Africans to unite and take action to support the fight against child abuse and gender-based violence.
Delivering his keynote address during the launch, the president described the crisis of violence against women and children as a great shame on our nation, adding that communities are in the grip of violence against those who need support and protection.
“We grew up being taught that as men and boys we must respect women and protect children. We were taught to never, ever raise your hand against a woman. But we have lost our way,” said Ramaphosa in a statement issued by the Presidency.
Ramaphosa pointed out that the country has been rocked by a series of murders of women, and he called upon all South Africans to join the movement to break the cycle of violence.
“Our message to those who abuse women has been made abundantly clear: there is no place in our society for you. We will not be defeated by this scourge. We will turn the tide. Let us move together, a nation resolute and above all united, to end gender-based violence and femicide forever.”
In Boksburg, on November 27, the Gauteng Provincial Government in partnership with the Men’s Sector held the Men’s Dialogue at Birchwood Hotel to spread the word against gender-based violence.
Premier David Makhura delivered the keynote address at the dialogue, which forms part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Makhura stressed that the Gauteng Provincial Government is committed to challenging the deeply rooted inequalities and social norms that perpetuate men’s control and power over women and reinforce tolerance for violence against women and girls.
“The province continues to provide support for victims of gender-based violence through their green-door facilities. Green doors provide victims a safe place, counselling, advice on opening a case and taking action against their abusers, basic emotional support, basic care and a place to rest. The provincial government will continue with educational campaigns to make violence against women and children socially unacceptable,” said Makhura in a statement issued by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
Upcoming campaigns in Boksburg
The Boksburg police confirmed that they will also be convening a series of imbizos on gender based-violence and child abuse in the city.
Members of the public are urged to attend the events, which will be held in the following areas, and all begin at 10am: November 29, Angelo sports ground; December 4, Angelo Hotel; December 6, Boksburg CBD; December 11, Sunward Park Lifestyle Centre; December 12, Blue Sky informal settlement; and December 12, New Beginnings.
