16 Days of Activism raise alarm on gender-based violence and femicide
KwaZulu-Natal Police reported a decline in sexual assault cases but were shocked with the revelation of rape in educational premises: one at a crèche, 13 at schools and four at tertiary institutions.
TO mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign on Monday, November 25, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has raised the alarm on the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in the province.
He highlighted the shocking statistics mentioned by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu who recently released the crime statistics in the province for Quarter 2. Ntuli said that in the reported period, the province reported 46 murders, 112 attempted murders, 175 rapes, 23 sexual assaults and 1 272 assaults with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
“Reported rape at educational premises is one at a crèche, 13 at schools and four at tertiary institutions. Having said the above, we are encouraged by the decline of sexual offenses (25 301 with a decline of -2.0%_ and rape at 2 046, with a decline of -3.8%),” said Ntuli.
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The premier went on to highlight that the KZN Department of Social Development attended to 3 574 child abuse cases, showing the target on the country’s most vulnerable members. “In KwaZulu-Natal, we are at a critical juncture; therefore, to be effective in this battle, our strategies must resonate at the grassroots level, beginning with our wards. We have made significant strides, forming Rapid Response Teams in over 300 wards. These teams are a testament to our commitment to act swiftly and efficiently, addressing GBVF with a survivor-centred, multi-sectoral approach. We aim to protect survivors, promote gender equality and eliminate any systemic delays and bottlenecks that hamper our efforts to conquer this scourge,” said Ntuli.
Meanwhile, various rallies were organised throughout the province to raise awareness surrounding the scourge of GBVF. Among those who were raising awareness were Umbilo SAPS and the community at large. The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign (a 16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign that takes place annually from November 25 (International Day of No Violence Against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This year, the campaign will be observed under the theme: ’30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children’.
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