Violence Against Women
Source: All Africa
As part of protecting the rights of women and children and eradicating gender based violence, educators at Sizofunda Primary School have called on government to extend the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Campaign to 365 days a year.
The educators spoke yesterday (23 July 2013) during one the Mandela Month activities that saw the school's needy children receiving donations of uniforms from Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe. The school is situated in Sundra near Delmas in the Victor Khanye Local Municipality.
The donation of the school uniforms is part of the department's vulnerable groups initiative to improve people's lives in Mpumalanga. This initiative is part of honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela.
The educators contend that the campaign should be 365 days per year in order to ensure that the abuse of woman and children is eliminated.
According to Rachel Ngwenya, Delmas Circuit Manager, the extension of the campaign will bring hope and change in many families.
"We believe that if the plight of abuse is highlighted the whole year, there will be an impact on the lives of women and children and the incidences of abuse will be reduced," Ngwenya said.
MEC Shongwe told the educators that the department is committed to eradicating all sorts of contact crimes in all communities, hence the programme has already been transformed into a 365 days per year programme.
He also informed the educators that the department has various gender based violence projects that are implemented in conjunction with various stakeholders throughout the year.
He has also called on educators and learners at the school to continue taking education seriously as it assist in eradicating various social ills that lead to criminal behaviour.
The MEC warned those who abuse women and children to stop, saying that the Criminal and Justice processes would ensure that they are not spurred any mercy.
Issued by: Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison