Source: South African Government News Agency
Pretoria — As part of the back-to-basics approach, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has relaunched its Women's Network and Men for Change structures.

The Women's Network was first established in 2003 to champion the rights of the most vulnerable groups in society and to ensure female emancipation is realised.

Men for Change was launched in 2004 and deals with the critical role of eradicating gender-based violence and the challenges faced by men in policing.

Speaking at the relaunch on Tuesday, acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane said the revival of the campaigns allows SAPS to take stock of the road that has been travelled, failures and challenges.

"Let us reignite and establish strong internal and external networks, national and global networks," he said, adding that the ideals of the two campaigns resonate with the National Development Plan.

The Women's Network, Phahlane said, has played an important role in aligning itself with programmes for the elimination of violence against women and children. The network ensured that the sexual harassment policy was properly implemented and that the victims' dignity is protected.

Men for Change, on the other hand, has been looking beyond the masculinity of men. Phahlane said it looked at behavioural change and establishing a culture of open men.

"This is done by ensuring that men found their voices and roles when it came to violence against women and children, necessitating men to start talking openly about their challenges and their roles in society, their shared visions and beliefs."

The objectives of Men for Change speak to, among others, providing support structures for male employees of the police service, facilitating the career development of males through training programmes, as well as serving as a motivational structure that increases awareness and contributes to changing attitudes and stereotypes on gender issues.

• South Africa