Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, will be launching Orange Day in the Free State Province, which is a campaign that forms partnership between communities, the SAPS, Provincial Governments and National Government, to fight against the rapes and killings of women and girls in South Africa. The Orange Day concept was established in 2012 when Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, declared that the 25th of every month should be commemorated around the world as Orange Day.
The purpose and aim of Orange Day is to bring communities and law enforcement authorities together to fight and raise awareness against the scourge of violence against women and girls. The campaign also encourages partners and stakeholders to come up with methods to eradicate gender based violence and protect women and children. The overarching aim of orange day is to bring one of the most pervasive forms of human rights violations to the forefront of the public’s attention, highlighting the need to all to take action against a growing and horrific epidemic. In South Africa, Orange Day is launched in a new province every month, in order for national government to enter into commitments with provincial governments to fight women abuse in their respective provinces.
Minister Lulu Xingwana has launched the campaign in the Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo and the Western Cape provinces in previous months. On Sunday, 25 August, it will be launched in the Free State province together with the provincial government. The event will also be a celebration of the women’s month in the province. Minister Xingwana is expected to be joined by Premie Ace Magashule, the provincial Department of Social Development, Women’s Rights Organizations and the South African Police Services. Minister Lulu Xingwana will address the community on gender based violence. Media is invited to the launch event, which will be held as follows:
Date: Sunday, 25 August 2013
Venue: Fighter's Sportsground, Heilbron, Free State
Time: 9h00
For media enquiries, reservations and coverage scheduling:
Sello Molekwa
Cell: 071 613 6242
Email: sello@dwcpd.gov.za
