16 Days of Activism Campaign begins

November 25, marks the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children campaign.
Deputy president David Mabuza has directed that from November 25 to 29 the nation should embark on five days of mourning, particularly for the victims of Covid-19 and those who have lost their lives through gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Mabuza called on South Africans to wear a black armband, a ribbon, or any sign that signifies an act of mourning in order to demonstrate solemn respect for those who have died due to GBV and Covid-19.
Remembrance
“We call on all families, communities and organisations to set up memorial corners where flowers, lit candles and any appropriate form of memorialisation is observed to remember and honour those who have lost their lives,” Mabuza said.
The South African flag was flown at half-mast on November 25 to symbolise the beginning of the five days of remembrance.
Mabuza called on churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and houses of prayer to hold prayer sessions to support surviving families to cope with the loss of their loved ones.
“Our response to GBVF must be emphatic and uncompromising. It is our commitment as government, civil society formations and all other social partners to work together towards a sustained programme of action to curb GBVF.
“As part of this comprehensive programme, today marks the official commencement of our 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, which is hosted nationwide under the theme: Women’s Economic Justice for a Non-Violent and Non-Sexist South Africa,” Mabuza said.
He encouraged society to collectively rally behind all national efforts and programmes to empower, protect and promote the advancement and development of women and girl children.
“Together we must build a society that places an enormous amount of its resources to the protection and development of women, to their well-being and their due recognition as leaders of our nation in all facets of human endeavors.
“Women can no longer live in servitude to men that have disregard for their lives and their freedom, therefore we call on all our communities to condemn any acts of GBVF and where such acts manifest themselves they should be reported to the nearest police station,” he said.
Mabuza said the reported rising number of Covid-19 infections remains a major cause for concern.
“We should continue to behave responsibly to save lives and avoid any possible resurgence of Covid-19 infections that may result in further loss of lives,” he said.
SA needs 365 days of activism to tackle GBV
Meanwhile, the DA pointed out that due to the ever growing rates of GBV, the country needs more than the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
According to John Steenhuisen, leader of the DA, South Africa’s coronavirus pandemic has exposed the scourge of GBV in South Africa.
“For the many women and children in South Africa who were forced into isolation with their abusers, our country’s lockdown was a time of terror.
“As much as 51 per cent of South African women have experienced violence at the hands of an intimate partner, and the worrying spike in GBV under lockdown serves as a reminder of the crucial work we must all take up to bring a swift end to this crime in our country.
“Today as we observe the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism, the DA recommits itself, both where we are in government and in opposition, to bring an end to this prolific crime which robs women and children of their basic rights and freedoms.
“South Africa does not need 16 days of activism against GBV, we need 365,” Steenhuisen said in a statement.
Steenhuisen said the party recognises that tackling GBV in the country requires a multifaceted and comprehensive approach including victim support and empowerment programmes, violence prevention initiatives and, more importantly, education and public awareness campaigns to bring about behavioural change which is the root cause of this crime.
“Tackling GBV isn’t a convenient campaign or a catchy slogan; it’s a pledge to which we must recommit ourselves each and every day, for the women of our country, and for the basic freedoms of which they are robbed by crippling fear of harassment, violence, and rape.
“I am recommitting myself to bringing an end to GBV, and I call on each and every male DA public representative, member, and activist to do the same. Because women deserve the freedom and the right to feel as safe as we do in our homes and places of work, on our streets, and in our cities. Let’s #CommitToEndGBV”

Also Read: East Rand Famsa supports 16 Days of Activism