South Africa: Violence Against Women Undermines Democracy

December 2, 2007 – (AllAfrica) Social Development Deputy Minister Dr Jean Swanson-Jacobs says incidences of violence and abuse directed at women and children are a betrayal to the struggle for freedom and democracy.

"We did not fight for equality so that women can become society's punching bags," she said.

Speaking at the Intersectoral open day event to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism for No violence Against Women and Children held in Pretoria on Friday, Minister Swanson-Jacobs said government seeks to uphold the rights and restore the dignity of the most vulnerable in our society.

The deputy minister expressed concern about the increasing number of incidences of violence directed at women and children.

According to Ms Swanson-Jacobs, incidences of violence perpetrated against women and children have reached unprecedented levels.

"Our view in government is that there is a clear link between violence against women and HIV infection," the deputy minister said. She added that socio-economic factors, unequal gender and sexual relations, unprotected sex, and alcohol and drug abuse are among the factors that have increased the negative impact of HIV and AIDS.

"We as a nation will be engaging in various activities, events and programmes aimed at raising awareness around the scourge of violence and abuse of our women and children," she said.

Last Sunday marked the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign in Bloemfontein. The campaign seeks to raise awareness on the abuse of women and children.

Ms Swanson-Jacobs also appealed to community members to support the campaign by sending an SMS with the words "16 Days" to 31616.

For each SMS sent, a donation of R5 is made to the 16 Days of Activism fund. The donations are administered, managed and disbursed by the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), a civil society partner and friend of the campaign.

 

From:http://allafrica.com/stories/200712030830.html