Statement

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations- initiated campaign. It starts on 25 November which is also International Day for No Violence Against Women and continues daily until 10 December, a day observed as International Human Rights Day. There are also other commemorative days during the 16 days. These are World Aids Day on 1 December

and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.

The 16 Days of Activism against Violence and Abuse of Women and Children is a time to intensify efforts to mobilise all actors of society behind efforts to eliminate the abuse of children and women and the creation of a conducive environment where each person can realize their full potential and human dignity.

In addition to the Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence, the ANC-led government and Parliament passed the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill to strengthen the fight against this social crime which is an ugly feature of society. Working together with progressive civil society, women and children’s organizations, human rights activists, and the LGTBQIA+ community, South Africa recorded many strides. These are documented in legislative interventions and measures made to explore solutions towards ending this scourge.

As a caring organisation at whose centre resides the aspirations of the people, we call upon society to rise in action to create a country free of violence and abuse, especially against women and children. This year several activities are planned to highlight the need for an immediate end to these social ills. This requires faith-based, men, youth and women organizations to join hands in the struggles of eliminating violence and abuse.