8 December 2006
Mafikeng: Northwest Department of Health will on Monday, 11 December 2006
host a provincial event to culminate the 16 Days of Activism on No Violence and
Children Campaign at Mmabatho Convention Centre at 09h00 sharp. The event will
start with a march from Mmabatho Stadium to the Convention Centre.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is a
United Nations campaign, which takes place annually from 25 November
(International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International
Human Rights Day). Since 1999 the South African Government has marked this day,
and has ensured that the campaign is extended to include issues relating to
violence against children. The 16 Days of Activism Campaign focuses primarily
on generating an increased awareness of the negative impact of violence on
women and children as well as society as a whole. The year 2006 marks the 16th
anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.
âThere is reluctance on the part of victims of violence to come forward and
seek legal advice and social support. This could be due to insufficient
knowledge of their rights, the social stigma around domestic violence or the
inaccessibility of police stations and courts to rural women. In the few cases
where false reporting of rape has occurred, the individuals must be made aware
of the impact of their actions, through popularisation of key messages."
"The Department encourages media to serve as an educational platform for
women and children who are abused. There has to be sensitive, professional and
responsible coverage and reporting of these issues. There is also a perception
that violence against women and children is increasing. Intensive efforts
should be made to encourage women and children to report abuse and violence to
relevant public institutionsâ explain MEC Nomonde Rasmeni.
âIn most categories of crime, the level of violent crimes against women and
children remain unacceptably high. In order to curb the continuing trend, there
is a need to also target intermediaries such as police officials, community
health workers, councillors, community development workers, and officials
working for the various civil society organisations to spread the campaign
messageâ concluded MEC Nomonde Rasmeni.
Members of the media are invited to capture the event.
Media enquiries: Mr. Isaac Mokaila
Tel: (018) 387 5813
Cell: 073 742 3906
Issued by: Department of Health, North West Provincial Government
8 December 2006
