KZN Finance MEC calls on men to be at the forefront of the war on gender based violence and the abuse of women and children
The MEC for Finance in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Ravi Pillay, has called on all sectors of society to join in the fight against violence directed at women and children.
MEC Pillay also called on all South African men to be at the forefront of efforts to fight gender-based violence adding that this war should be waged daily and everywhere.
“It is our collective duty to fight this scourge. We should talk about it while sitting at the dinner table. We should preach about it at our places of worship. We should teach our children about it at school. We should discuss it during our bus and taxi rides to work. We should support those who are victims of the violence and not encourage a culture of silence. We must stand up and report those who are guilty of committing these crimes, no matter the positions they hold in society,” MEC Pillay said.
He was speaking at the uMgungundlovu District launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The launch was held in Bruntville in Mooi River and was attended by thousands of people including religious and community leaders.
He said the numbers of women and children who get murdered each day was staggering and men needed to be at the forefront of all efforts to end the scourge.
MEC Pillay also reported back on the Emergency Action Plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in October.
The government has reprioritised R1.6 billion for the plan which focuses on improving access to justice for survivors of violence and prevention campaigns to change attitudes and behaviour.
MEC Pillay was joined by religious leaders in leading a march to raise awareness
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