The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature through its Special Programmes Unit is conducting a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and HIV and AIDS awareness session for staff today, Thursday, 28 November 2013.
The session takes place from 10h30 in the Raymond Mhlaba Chamber followed by Inter Legislature friendly matches of various sports teams. The programme is aimed to sensitize, educate and create awareness about gender-based violence and HIV/Aids topical issues.
Sixteen (16) Days of Activism against Gender Violence Campaign is an international campaign that began in 1991. This campaign focuses on generating an increased awareness of the negative impact of violence on women, children and society as a whole. Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights violation.
From November 25th, the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10th, International Human Rights Day, the campaign calls on individuals and groups around the world to act to end all forms of violence against women and girls. 2013 officially marks the fourteenth year anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign.
As part of taking part in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign for No Violence against Women and Children, the Legislature staff and MPL’s will participate in Sport against HIV and AIDS activities today. The main sport codes include Soccer, Rugby and netball. Staff and MPL’s have exchanged their formal regalia for sportswear to battle it out on the grounds.
The session will not only empower staff with information on Gender Equality, Gender Based Violence & HIV, Individual roles in combating GBV but will also provide a great deal of fun to the Legislature community. An HIV and AIDS counselling and testing site is operational from 9h00 to 16h30 today.
