Just three days after the launch of 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children in the Province, the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature joins hands in singing the same tune. The Institution’s Special Programmes Unit today conducted a Gender-Based Violence and HIV and AIDS awareness session specifically meant for staff members.
Various role players in the fight against gender based violence and HIV arena were invited including the Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL’s). The Legislature through its Special Programmes Unit took it upon itself to raise awareness and educate Legislature staff on HIV and AIDS and gender based violence with an intent to instil a culture of participation in fight against gender based violence and HIV within the Legislature community.
Speaking during the session on Individual roles in combating GBV, Reverend Xolamzi Sam of Men for Change said it is everybody’s responsibility to curb the escalating rate of gender violence and discrimination of people living with HIV. He challenged men out there to define themselves before someone defines them. “People out there are carrying scales to weigh men and define them, but the problem is that they define men to please their interests. It is time for men to practice what they preach and define themselves,” he said.
Reverend Sam again pleaded with churches to make a mark in the societies. He said everyone must shine in every corner of our society. “I believe that it is not far-fetched to have a new generation, a generation that respects women, children and people living with disabilities,” he concluded.
Comments from the audience proved the session to be mind-opening and informative. Inter Legislature friendly matches of various sports codes followed immediately after the formal session. Legislature staff and MPL’s exchanged their formal regalia and took part in Sport against HIV and AIDS matches. A voluntary counselling and testing site was open that was opened throughout the day.
Enquiries:
Velisile Bukula, Media Officer: Media Liaison
Tel: 040 609 1591
Cell: 071 642 3495
Fax: 086 225 9780
E-mail: vvbukula@ecleg.gov.za
