The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature invites members of the media to the launch of 16 Days of Activism campaign under the Theme: “Don’t Look Away, Act Against Abuse”. The campaign focuses primarily on generating an increased awareness on violence and abuse of women and children. This year, the Eastern Cape Provincial Gender Machinery outlined the following specific objectives for the campaign:
- Encourage communities to speak out on abuse and violence and encourage a society that is free of violence and abuse
- Establishment of Focus Groups to ensure direct participation by communities in rooting out Gender Based Violence in our society
- Development of a Strategic Intervention Mechanism through engagements with departments of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ministry of Police, Ministry of Women Children and People with Disabilities, Department of Social Development and Chapter Nine Institutions
- Support victims and survivors of abuse and violence
- To denounce substance abuse by our youth
- To challenge perpetrators of these offences to change their behaviour
- To raise more awareness on the negative effects of abuse on women, children and other vulnerable groups such as farm workers, domestic workers, young women and girls, the elderly and the disabled
- To mobilise traditional leadership to assume their role and responsibility in restoring rightful values and morals in our communities in the fight against the abuse of women and children
- To mainstream the campaign within other programs targeting vulnerable groups
- To create awareness around the link between HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence
- To actively engage men and boys through Brother’s For Life Campaign in the discourse about combating violence in our homes, communities and workplace.
Amongst others in attendance shall be the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe; Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa; Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana; Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini; Premier, Members of the Provincial Executive Council, Members of the Provincial Legislature and members of the public. Office of the Speaker - Media Liaison Unit.
Date: Thursday, 29 November 2012
Time: 9h00
Venue: Raymond Mhlaba Chamber- Legislature
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women Campaign is an international United Nations-endorsed initiative that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The year 2012 officially marks the thirteenth anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children Campaign. Key commemorative days during this campaign include; World Aids Day on 1st of December, International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3rd of December and the International Human Rights Day on10 December.
All members of the media are invited to cover the event.
For interviews and inquiries kindly liaise with:
Bulelwa Ganyaza, Senior Manager - Media Liaison
Cell: 071 642 3490
E-mail: bganyaza@ecleg.gov.za
