FREE STATE WRAPS UP 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM CAMPAIGN
By Mosidi Mohlakela, Bloemfontein

December 11, 2003 – (BuaNews - Pretoria) The Free State Government and civil society organisations yesterday observed the end of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

The event was held at a hall within the municipality's Braam Fischer Building in Bloemfontein.

Various government officials from the departments of Justice, Agriculture and the Office of the Premier attended the event.

About 200 others also attended the event to observe the end of the 16 days of activism and officials from the Department of Justice and
Constitutional Development used the opportunity to educate the public about the country's laws that are meant to protect women and children from abuse and violence.

Deputy Director from the Office of the Status of Women (OSW) Nomzi Masawa said the end of the campaign did not mean the end of the fight against the abuse of women and children.

The deputy director added that the last day of the campaign also did not imply society should not highlight and educate one another about the evils of abuse and violence against women and children.

Executive Mayor of Lejweleputswa District in the Free State, Mamiki Qabathi, said people should change those beliefs hindering the success of the fight against domestic abusers.

She said women needed to stick together and render the necessary support to each other and continue to spread the message of peace in their communities and workplaces.

Magistrate M Mguqulwa, a representative of the justice department, outlined the steps that abused women and children could follow to get the perpetrators to book

Mr Mguqulwa said many women felt the law was not on their side and was ineffective but assured them that was not so and the justice department has now increased its staff to assist in ensuring thorough follow ups on reported cases.

He said government set up more Equality Courts around the country to assist in matters such as domestic abuse or gender based violence and 20 of these courts were in the Free State.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200312110523.html