I call upon men to hold a mirror to their faces and see the true reflection of who they really are, whether they are providers and protectors of families or tormentors of their own flesh and blood”. These were the words by the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi–Malobane during the launch of the Provincial 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign last night.
Addressing the event attended by representatives from law enforcement agencies and civil society, the MEC said that men are not licensed by culture to act violently against vulnerable groups in society. She further highlighted the importance of going back to our culture where men are seen as protectors and providers of families within their respective communities than abusers.
“Most of the Gauteng 16 Days of Activism programmes are aimed at men. Men are the majority perpetrators of violence against women and children and it is critical that we involve them as we fight this scourge in order to break the cycle violence and by doing so we will help stop men from being repeated offenders. It has been stated in various studies that abusers are likely to repeat their abusive behavior if they are not subjected to a criminal justice system and diversion prgrammes,” said MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane.
She also acknowledged the role that men’s organizations and structures such as Men As Safety Promoter are playing to help reform abusive men in various communities in the province.
“We must continue to acknowledge the role and efforts that men’s organisations and structures like Men As Safety Promoters play in programmes targeting men and helping re-socialize them not to be abusive and identify alternatives to anger management throughout the 16 days campaign and beyond,” she said.
The MEC encouraged women who experience any form of abuse to report the matter to the police and not to withdraw cases to enable the law to take its course.
Some of the key activities the Province will be embark on this year include Gauteng Premier’s fundraising event to raise funds for gender based violence intervention programme, LGBTI Ntirhisano dialogue, Girl-eulogy Empowerment Session and Little heroes summit.
Enquiries:
Thapelo Moiloa
Cell: 084 805 2247
Tel: 011 689 3743
Email: Thapelo.moiloa@gauteng.gov.za.
