Violence Against Women
Source: The Information Daily
Minister of Social Developemnt Bathabile Dalmini spoke at the United Nation's discussion on the primary prevetion of gender-based violence.
Speaking at the session, Minister Dlamini highlighted that post-1994 the South African Government has passed various pieces of legislation aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women and girls. She also highlighted that gender based violence is a global phenomenon that transcends national borders and culture and because of its complex nature, it requires global action among UN member countries.
“The United Nations must take the lead in the elimination of this global scourge which constitutes gross violation of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls across the globe”, said Minister Dlamini.
Minister Dlamini emphasised that primary prevention lies at the heart of finding long lasting solution to gender based violence. The Minister said that primary prevention strategies should focus more on education and community engagement measures, to help prevent violence against women and children even before it occurs.
South Africa was commended by the global community for passing progressive legislations that protect and recognise the sexual orientation and sexual identities of all people irrespective of race, colour or religion.
Minister Dlamini is the convener of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the causes of violence against women and children. The Committee was established by Cabinet in May last year to investigate the root causes of violence in general, and in particular, against women and children and to develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with the scourge of violence against women and children.
Speaking about the importance of the 57th Session, especially in the context of the work of the Committee, Minister Dlamini said: “This Session provides an important platform at a global level for UN members countries, including South Africa to work together with others towards eliminating the scourge of violence against women and girls. It offers us the opportunity to compare our experiences and share the things we have learned from other countries”.