As the country reaches the midway point of International 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, focused media attention continues to shock us with horrific incidents of gender-based violence and femicide, said Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
The theme of this year’s campaign is enough is enough – 365 days to end gender-based violence and femicide and the last day of the campaign is 10 December.
“Let’s be reminded that 365 days refers to South Africa’s commitment to a year-round campaign to eradicate gender-based violence through constant activism. Let us also acknowledge that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) is a societal problem. The violence on women and children continues unabated despite the efforts of government and civil society,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.
She added that the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities said it calls on South Africans to play their part in raising awareness on the rights of women to their family and friends. “As President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated in his address at the official opening of 16 Days of Activism, gender-based violence affects all of us, and so none of us can be impartial or indifferent.
“Every South African must commit to a year-round awareness campaign and constantly be vigilant, to report abusers. We want the whole country to say, enough is enough – 365 days to end gender-based violence and femicide.”
She also explained how you can play your part:
- Increase awareness and visibility: incorporate gender-based violence and femicide key messages in all speeches, discussions and, addresses.
- Utilise gender-based violence posters in your spaces.
- Display the gender-based violence and femicide national pledge in all public spaces, like places of work, worship, shopping centres, events, schools, etc. and encourage men to sign.
- Partner with government, business, media houses, private sector in hosting gender-based violence and femicide events and heighten communications around gender-based violence.
- Leverage on other mega-events such as sporting events, national days, themed days, conferences, etc. to spread messages on ending gender-based violence.
- Host lectures, debates, and discussions on gender-based violence and femicide on topics such as eradicating patriarchal attitudes.
- Host leaners competitions on equality, justice, and human dignity.
- Host engagements with men and boys to encourage positive masculinity.
- Utilise your social media platforms to condemn any form of gender-based violence and femicide.
- Report any act or sign of gender-based violence.
- Join www.for-women.co.za – a hub for survivors and victims who need help and corporates who can offer help.
The department encourages all men to sign the national pledge which calls on South African men to become actively involved in ending all forms of violence.
“It is not only about being a good man, father, husband, and co-worker. It goes beyond that to men not allowing violence in all its forms to take place. Men can do this by calling out other men who insult, denigrate, abuse, or treat women like objects. Men need to be active players in activist efforts to end GBVF.”
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