Enough is Enough: 365 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence AND Femicide is launched
The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana- Mashabane, officially launched the 365 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) on 10 December 2019 in partnership with UN Women and 1st for Women Insurance.
At the launch, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said that GBVF needs constant illumination and focus. She called on all South Africans to play their part in fighting this scourge and to unite in the fight against GBVF.
“Enough is enough. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a societal problem that has been declared a National Crisis by President Cyril Ramaphosa. It continues, unabated, despite various efforts. Together, we need to play our part, not just for 16 days but for 365 days a year, every year,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.
In addition to launching a National Strategic Plan on GBVF, Government will be fostering partnerships with key stakeholders in civil society, faith-based organisations and the private sector, like 1st for Women Insurance, to mobilise active and patriotic citizenry.
At the event, 1st for Women Insurance was recognised for its focus on GBVF and its new preventative and response programme in Diepsloot that takes into account and addresses the root cause of the epidemic.
“Women abuse in South Africa is a burgeoning and complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address the underlying attitudes, beliefs, practices and systems that condone, justify or excuse gender inequality. Through our research we found that male superiority and a culture of violence which manifests itself in the form of patriarchy, control, sexual entitlement and unhealthy conflict resolution skills are determining factors towards women abuse. This was confirmed through research conducted in six gender-based violence hotspots in South Africa. We believe that education is a fundamental tool in the fight for gender equality and will be launching a school-based learning programme at 20 registered Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres and five Primary and High Schools in the Diepsloot community for children aged three to 18. The programme also includes a comprehensive community-based support programme for survivors of abuse (from trauma to prosecution). Self-defence training and a digital tool will be integrated into the programme at a later stage,” said Robyn Farrell, CEO of 1st for Women Insurance.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women said: “Gender inequality, sexism and male privilege lay the foundation for all forms of violence against women and girls. Addressing these negative norms and stereotypes, including working with men and boys to promote positive masculinity, must be at the core of prevention strategies. Working together with the private sector on partnerships like this one will enable us to tackle this issue not only today, but every day of the year.”
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane called on men and boys to take a stand against all forms of abuse and GBVF. She also encouraged South Africans to sign the National Pledge on GBVF and join www.for-women.co.za – a hub for survivors and victims of GBVF who need help and corporates who can offer help.
“The National Pledge calls on South African men to become actively involved in ending all forms of violence. It is not only about being a good man, father, husband and co-worker. It goes beyond that to men not allowing violence in all its forms to take place. Men can do this by calling out other men who insult, denigrate, abuse, or treat women like objects. Men need to be active players in activist efforts to end GBVF,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.
For interviews and RSVP please contact Ms Mmabatho Ramompi on 076 480 3513 / Mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za or Ms Kea Motlokwa on 066 077 7347 / Keabetswe.Motlokwa@women.gov.za
For media enquiries please contact:
Shalen Gajadhar
Cell: 060 979 4235
Email: shalen.gajadhar@women.gov.za
For more information visit:
www.women.gov.za
www.unwomen.org
www.for-women.co.za
www.firstforwomen.co.za
Know and Share these contact details:
GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 / *120*7867# from any cell phone
Persons with disabilities, SMS ‘help’ to 31531
Women Abuse Helpline: 0800 150 150
Child line: 0800 055 555
SAPS Crime Stop: 0860 10111 / SMS Crime Line: 32211
GBVF-related service complaints (SAPS): 0800 333 177 /
complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za
National AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322
National Human Trafficking Helpline: 0800 222 777
Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567
Twitter: @DWYPD_ZA
Instagram: @dwypdza
Facebook: @dwypdza
Website: www.women.gov.za
