The levels of violence against women and children in South Africa is concerning. Women, children and people with disabilities in particular are the most susceptible to violence.
“Not only are these groups vulnerable but are disadvantaged by factors such as poverty, unemployment, access to justice, isolation, etc”departmental spokesperson Dumisa Seshabela said.
In a bit to combat such violence, the Department of Mineral Resource through the North West Provincial Department of Economy and Enterprise Development on Thursday took part in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign by raising awareness about the negative impact of violence on women and children.
The campaign was held in Madibogo Village (Ratlou Local Municipality), and was attended by approximately 350 people comprising of youths, government officials, municipalities and community members.
The campaign this year marks 16 years of existence, during which considerable awareness on issues of violence against women and children was generated.
Showing support and giving observations to the campaign, Cllr Petrus Matebele, Chief Whip, Ratlou Municipality speaking on behalf of Mayor, Cllr. Victor Mance, said the period in which the campaign is held, coincide with the commemoration of the World AIDS Day on 01 December and the international Day of Persons with Disabilities on 03 December and it allows us to focus on the link between sexual violence and the spread of HIV infection as well as incidents of abuse experienced by women, children and persons with disabilities.
“It has shown in the Research conducted by the Medical Research Council that one in every four women in South African population generally has experienced physical violence at some point in her life” Seshabela said.
Giving keynote address for the day, Dr. Thibedi Ramontja; Director General in the Department of Mineral Resources stressed that community members needed to work together with the South African Police Services and government in order to highlight, speak out and to find solutions against women and children abuse.
“The campaign has been adopted by government as one of the intervention strategies toward creating a society where women and children are safe. Government has been making strides in combating violence against women and children. We have seen an increase in the number of perpetrators who are serving life sentences for committing such violence”, said Dr Ramontja.
Through awareness campaigns education and sharing of knowledge government will be able to create a greater understanding of the challenges faced by both genders in particular women which could lead to increased respect and safety.
Director General said that the Department of Mineral Resources has prioritized the safety and promotion of female participation within their department and the mining industry.
“He further said we all need to stand up against the deteriorating moral values that lead to the increasing number of brutal rapes and abuses of baby girls and elderly women. Let us revive and encourage the spirit of Ubuntu in our communities” she said.
-TDN
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