Woman, child abuse campaign focuses on unity

President Jacob Zuma delivered the key note address during the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children Campaign at Lebowakgomo last Friday stressing that violence against women has been declared a priority crime by Government.
The launch was attended by among others Premier Stan Mathabatha and Minister of Women Affairs Susan Shabangu.
“This campaign is about uniting all in our country behind one message that women and children must be safe and must feel safe at home, in the streets and anywhere in the country. Informed by our country’s Constitution, Government is determined to use all resources at its disposal to make the country safer for women and children,” Zuma said.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “Count Me In: Together Moving a Non-Violent South Africa Forward” and takes the form of the launch of National Dialogues on Violence Against Women and Children. About 27 dialogues have been lined up for various parts of Limpopo to engage the victims and perpetrators. “The purpose is to use the information gathered and lessons learned to prevent the abuse of women and children and to raise awareness. The dialogues will provide an opportunity for government to assess its own law enforcement and social support machinery in order to enhance support for women and children,” Zuma said.
Zuman further indicated that violence against women and children manifests itself openly in serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, domestic violence, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm or human trafficking. “What is of serious concern is that most women are attacked by men they know.” He appealed to every citizen to build a society where women and children are safe.
Polokwane Police Station Commander Mosima Maila launched their celebrations of the campaign at SABC Park the previous day with the keynote address that as Police they are of the view that the main activity in the fight against crime is prevention and that they work around the clock to eliminate, weaken and or neutralise the root causes and circumstances of crime.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children Abuse is an international awareness-raising campaign and takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). The period includes Universal Children’s Day and World Aids Day.

Story and photos: RC Myburgh
>>rc.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: Premier Stan Mathabatha and President Jacob Zuma on stage during the launch of the campaign.