Review took to the streets of Polokwane to find out what their views are regarding the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children campaign and overall safety in the community.
Fortunate Langa said "As a young woman who has dreams and aspirations to be a successful person one day, I sometimes wonder if that will ever happen because of the stories that I have heard about young women being coerced and forced into doing things just so that they can be given a job opportunity or to prove that they are capable of performing certain tasks. Gender inequality is still very much a problem and a concern in our society. As women our dreams and aspirations at this point seem unattainable," she added.
POLOKWANE – South Africa as a whole is currently observing the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children campaign, aimed at challenging all South Africans to generate an increased level of awareness among all South Africans about the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children because together we stand up to perpetrators of these offences to change their behaviour and help put an end to it.
Review took to the streets of Polokwane to find out what their views are regarding the campaign and overall safety in the community.
Lucia Mashamaite said ,”As women we are living in fear of a lot of harm that seldom happens to our fellow sisters. We fear to dress in a certain way and also walking places, men have become vicious and heartless, even the younger men no longer respect their mothers and grand mothers which is very alarming and concerning,” she said.
Peter Mogashoa said, “I feel sad and concerned every time I hear of a child or woman being abused. We need to take responsibility for our actions when we are wrong. We are supposed to protect our sisters, mothers and partners and not hurt them. I play my part by ensuring that girl children in my community are well looked after and safe at all times when they are playing in the streets with their friends,” she said.
Florence Tankiso Phathudi-Mphahlele and Fentse Phathudi-Mphahlele said, “Honestly I feel scared for my child’s safety because the rate of crimes and abuse unfolding in our communities makes life not to be nice. Our children get molested and raped by relatives whom we have entrusted to help look after us as women as well as take care of us. I hope one day such campaigns help to eliminate these violence and abuse against women and children,” she explained.
Kgaogelo Langa said, “We don’t feel safe in our own communities, homes and relationships even in the work environment. Women are easily abused or targeted and often fall victim to all forms of abuse whether it is emotional abuse, physical and financial abuse. I mean how many men have killed their partners over minor disputes or disagreements and none of those men can even provide a justifiable reason for their actions. It is said that we are free and safe to live as we please, but we always have to be extra cautious and vigilant when it comes to our own safety and emotional well-being,” she concluded.
Ntsako Mhangwana said, “As a mother in this day and age taking into account the level of crime and violence against women and children I feel a need to be extra vigilant and careful with my child as you will never know when a child is abused and violated unless you pay more attention and try dig deeper. Children who are abused and violated in most cases fear to talk for their lives and therefore do not open up until the damage is to deep. Men need to help in catching the perpetrators as naturally they are stronger and can fight on our behalf for our safety and that of our children,” she added
