Join the fight against women, child abuse

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Cabinet has joined all South Africans who are taking a stand against women and child abuse through the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign.

President Zuma will launch the 16 Days of Activism Campaign in the Eastern Cape on Saturday. The campaign takes place between 25 November and 10 December 2017.

This is the 19th year of the campaign in South Africa and it will continue under the theme: “Count Me In: Together Moving a Non-Violent South Africa Forward”.

The campaign will focus on the continued roll-out of National Dialogues, which encourages people to talk about the scourge of gender-based violence.

This will be preceded by International Men’s Day on Sunday, 19 November 2017, which calls on men to play their part in building a safer and more socially cohesive society.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will undertake the second community radio campaign under its Let’s Talk Justice series, which brings government services to people by providing listeners with an opportunity to engage with officials on topical issues.

The launch of a Sexual Offences Court during the campaign will also ensure better access to the justice system.

“Cabinet is confident that by working together we can end the cycle of abuse. Through our collective efforts we can act to prevent abuse while ensuring a safer society for women and children.

“All people in South Africa are urged to wear a white ribbon as a symbolic pledge towards eliminating this scourge from our society,” Cabinet said on Thursday.

World AIDS Day

Cabinet also called on all to participate in Red Ribbon Friday activations ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December up until the end of December.

“Wearing a red ribbon is a symbol of solidarity and commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS.

“World AIDS Day is an opportunity for every community to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV and remember those who have passed on,” Cabinet said.

This year’s event will be held under the theme: “My Right to Know My Status, Prevention Is My Responsibility”, which links to the global theme: “The Right to Health”.

This bolsters implementation of South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV, Tuberculosis and Sexually-Transmitted Illnesses 2017 - 2022 (NSP), which is a key pillar in South Africa’s progress towards achieving universal healthcare as reflected in the NDP, which promotes a healthier, stronger and more equitable nation.

National Imbizo Focus Week

Cabinet has also called on communities to participate in the upcoming 7th National Imbizo Focus Week, expected to be held from 27 November to 3 December 2017.

Under the leadership of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), this platform promotes interactive engagements between members of the Executive and communities.

It is taking place within the context of the centennial of Oliver Reginald Tambo, who advocated for gender equality. The activities are also aimed to support the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Events will be placed on the national calendar and shared on the government website (www.gov.za). – SAnews.gov.za