A PLACARD demonstration highlighting the vulnerability of young children to abuse was recently held by the non-profit organisation (NPO) iCare, from their offices on Churchill Road to Sandile Thusi Road (Argyle), an area which is notorious for having child beggars.

The demonstration shone a spotlight on children allegedly being used by adults to beg for money from passing motorists, which is another form of abuse. “It’s heartbreaking when you see these young kids weaving and bobbing out of traffic,” said iCare marketing manager, Gail Elson.

She said, “The children are being used by adults who sit on the sidelines waiting for them to return with the money. This is why we are calling on people not to give money to kids begging on streets, rather give it to an organisation that will assist them and transform them into sustainable adults.”

The street awareness drive was held on Thursday, December 5, coinciding with the observation of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The volunteers and activists received acknowledgement from motorists who hooted to show that they cared.

“We wanted to cause a disturbance by targeting all the hotspot areas where people are begging, while sending a strong message that if you give beggars money, you are keeping them longer on the streets and feeding their bad habits,” said Elson. Her words were echoed by Anne Slatter who stressed the point of both campaigns.

She said, “We are also doing this to raise awareness about the 16 days of activism for no abuse against women and children. We encounter a lot of this within our organisation and because we work with only boys, it becomes part of their education and rehabilitation. We just hope that this drive and campaign makes a difference somehow.”

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The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations initiative which takes place annually from November 25 (International Day of No Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day). This year, the campaign was held under the theme ’30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children’. It emphasised addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), promoting positive masculinity, promoting gender equity, and creating economic opportunities for women and children.

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