16 Days of Activism: Mitchells Plain fathers pledge to Speak Out
Last night, as part of our ongoing 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women & Children, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, held an anti-domestic abuse dialogue evening for fathers and daughters.
The Minister was joined by dozens of fathers with their daughters, and social workers from our NGO partner, Safeline, who assisted with facilitating the evening’s discussions and sharing between fathers.
The girls, between the ages of 3 – 6 years old, are from Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Mitchells Plain.
The aim was to raise awareness, share stories and exchange views on how we can strengthen the role of men and fathers in our homes and communities.
In his address, MEC Fritz encouraged men to ‘Speak Out’, “I encouraging all men, the fathers in our homes across the province, to help victims of abuse to move from silence to strength”.
“Our Cape Flats communities such as Mitchells Plain, Mannenberg and Khayeltisha are always seen in a one sided way as ‘violent’ and ‘without hope’, but you fathers here tonight, can change that narrative by speaking out and joining government in the fight against the abuse of women and children”, said Fritz.
Fathers and men play a critical role in creating safe and enabling homes and communities. Last night, the fathers got an opportunity to share their experiences of raising children during difficult times in communities with many social ills, and pledged their support in tackling all forms of abuse.
Media enquiries:
MEC Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
E-mail: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
