Department of Women Director receives international recognition for work on gender based violence
The Department of Women would like to congratulate Pumeza Mafani, Director of Governance Transformation, Justice and Security at the Department of Women (DoW), on her appointment to the Global Advisory Board of the Avon Foundation for Women.
Founded in 1955 by global cosmetics company, Avon the foundation is dedicated to the eradication of breast cancer and violence against women worldwide.
In her congratulatory message Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women Bathabile Dlamini said; “Ms Mafani’s recognition is a feather in the cap of the DoW, and stands as a testament to the sterling work the department has been doing in the area of gender based violence (GBV) and the socio economic emancipation of women. It is also heartening that this recognition coincides with the centenary of one of the leading lights and icons in the struggle for the emancipation of women, Ma Albertina Sisulu.”
In a written address to Mafani, President of the Avon Foundation for Women, Chris Wierman said; “We are inviting you to join our global movement to help end violence against women and girls, led by Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women.”
The offer is in recognition of the sterling professional work Mafani has done in the area of GBV) in a career spanning over 17 years. Prior to her current role at the DoW, she was employed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as a National Coordinator for Sexual Offences and Community Affairs, where she inter alia led the conceptualisation of the 365 Days National Action Plan in partnership with civil society organisations.
Subsequently the NPA nominated her to become a member of an Interdepartmental Management Team (IDMT) that developed the framework of South Africa’s Anti Rape Strategy, which subsequently led to the establishment of the Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCC), and became the National Coordinator thereof.
As a member of the Global Advisory Board, Mafani is the only African representative, and joins 11 other experts from other parts of the globe, tasked with making sure that the foundation’s work is effective and targeted.
The nature of the Avon assignment is such that it will not impact on Mafani’s day to day responsibilities, in line with that Wiersaman says the Foundation expects her to, twice a year, provide; “Guidance as we develop our outreach plans, ensuring they are relevant and effective. In addition we will stay in contact through informal updates calls to seek your advice on our work.”
In addition the Avon Foundation will donate US$3000 to an NGO of Mafani’s choice.
Accepting her appointment Mafani says; “I feel honoured to be entrusted with such a prestigious assignment, the tragic reality of GBV notwithstanding. I wish I did not get accolades at the backdrop of such a negative phenomenon.
I am grateful to Vital Voices Global Partnership for affording me the platform to showcase my work and capabilities and thereby coming to the attention of the Avon Foundation. I accept this responsibility in the name of all the women who dedicated their lives to the eradication of GBV and the liberation of women. May I not shame their legacy.”
