PARYS - On Monday Deputy Minister Pinky Kekane paid a visit to the Thumahole Centre for abused women and children in Parys, Free State, to mark the closing of the 16 Days of Activism against violence on women and children.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (GBV) is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from November 25 – the Elimination of Violence Against Women – to December 10, Human Rights Day. “We need a Multi-sectoral approach to fight gender-based violence, moreover a successful prosecution rate is also essential to fight the scourge of gender based violence”, said Deputy Minister Kekana.

It has become quite evident that everyday should be a day of activism as such government is committed to resourcing Thuthuzela centers; re-establishing the specialised crime fighting units of the SAPS to ensure the swift arrest, prosecution and jailing of perpetrators of horrific crimes against women and children. In addition this must be accompanied by creating safe spaces for reporting these violations.

She said “Sexual exploitation of women knows no boundaries, patriarchy and women abuse happens to you whether you are in a church or at work. Whether you black or white and the case of minors whether you are a boy or girl.”

One hopes that the activism we have seen has made men in particular understand that patriarchy bestows unto them unjust privilege which must be constantly assessed and checked, as such ,government will also educate men and boys about respectful relations and gender equality, while empowering women and girls to live autonomous lives.

Submitted by: GCIS on behalf of the Ministry of Communications
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