The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is cognisant of the fact that enormous gains have been made towards gender equality throughout the continent. It is, however not yet reached the level that we have anticipated since the turn of the century. As we celebrate Africa Day, lest we forget about women and children who are trafficked daily for all sorts of exploitation in particular for sex work. We cannot also turn a blind eye on poverty that make people vulnerable to the advances of would be traffickers.
It is also our wish that issues of gender-based violence (GBV) which is rearing its ugly head and it is linked to human trafficking will be eradicated in our societies. The CGE calls upon countries and gender activists to speak out against those that continuously subject women and children to abuse. We will continue in our endeavour to sensitise and raise awareness on issues that seeks to dehumanised women and children thus in the process depriving them of basic fundamental rights of being citizens of the continent.
We also call on countries to stay true to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and various treaties that seek to affirm the co-existence of all human beings irrespective of their gender. The CGE will in line with the constitution advance gender equality, henceforth partner will all institutions that shares this ideal.
Enquiries:
Javu Baloyi
Tel: 011 403 7182
Issued by: Commission for Gender Equality
25 May 2010
