Children Campaign draws to a close
10 December 2007
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele will deliver the keynote address at
an event to mark the close of KwaZulu-Natal's 2007 16 Days of Activism for No
Violence Against Women and Children Campaign as well as the iNgcugce
Commemoration which was launched earlier this year to celebrate the women of
KwaZulu-Natal.
The event, which will take place as follows, will be preceded by a Men's
March which is part of the nation-wide Million Men's March:
Date: Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Venue: Morningside Stadium, Ixobho
Time: 9h00
Government, again this year, joined all sectors of society to mark 16 Days
of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children from 25 November to 10
December.
Premier Ndebele has called upon the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal to build on
steadily growing the 16 Days Campaign to strengthen the fight against women and
child abuse.
"More and more people must heed the national call to fight women and child
abuse as awareness of the campaign grows. Government and its partners have
translated the 16 Days of Activism Campaign into a sustainable 365 Days of
Action.
"The Million Men's March, a key element of this year's campaign, is intended
to involve men and boys in the 16 Days Campaign. Men and boys must join with
society, in their millions, to signal their rejection of abuse. The march must
encourage men to interact and discuss the scourge of violence and find ways to
actively discourage it.
"The fight against the, still unacceptably, high levels of abuse of women
and children is also part of the national effort against HIV and AIDS.
Socio-economic factors, unequal gender and sexual relations, unprotected sex,
and alcohol and drug abuse are among the factors that have increased the impact
of HIV and AIDS. Behaviour-changing programmes are therefore part of efforts to
prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. These are especially important in the
festive season when increased violence and risky behaviour make women more
vulnerable," said the Premier.
Premier Ndebele called on all sectors of society in the province to renew
their pledge to fight against women and child abuse, especially during the
festive season.
All media are invited to attend. Please note picture opportunities.
Journalists attending must confirm their attendance by no later than 14h00 on
Monday, 10 December 2007, as per the contact details listed below.
Contact:
Logan Maistry
Spokesperson to Premier
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: maistryl@premier.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
10 December 2007
