Deputy President Paul Mashatile has launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
The launch took place at Nsika Stadium in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga on Saturday, 25 November.
The launch was organised by the minister and deputy minister of the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities.
Mashatile said for the past 32 years, the 25 November has been marked as the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign, with violence against Women and Children (VAWC) being a central focus.
“As South Africa, we have participated in this campaign for 25 years. It is important that we, at this stage, emphasise that this period is not merely ceremonious for us. As a government and as a nation, we remain committed to ending the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. We will not rest until our communities are safe for all, especially women and girls,” he said.
He said the 2023 campaign under the theme "Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence and femicide: leaving no one behind" is aimed to achieve this and highlight GBV as a human rights violation, intensify awareness raising and advocacy.
“We aim to raise awareness about the devastating impact that gender-based violence and Femicide (GBVF) have on women and children and the social fabric of our society,” he said.
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He said it is also an opportunity to renew their commitment to reclaiming streets and creating a society where women and children are safe and secure.
“Understanding the interconnectedness of the socio-economic issues in South Africa, this 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign seeks to interface the issues pertaining to "safe access to clean water for women: a basic human right" as championed by the Department of Water and Sanitation,” he said.
He urged men to be role models to young boys.
“Remember, boys are born, and men are made. As men, we can help develop men in our society who respect women.
“I also urge traditional leaders to intensify their role as community leaders against unfair inheritance practices and GBVF,” he said.
