16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM LAUNCHED
By Edwin Tshivhidzo, Pretoria

November 17, 2003 – (BuaNews - Pretoria) The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign has been launched in Johannesburg.

The campaign commences on 25 November, also the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Sport and Recreation Minister Ngconde Balfour said the commitment to combat violence and related forms of abuse directed at women and children continued to be a priority for government.

"Providing social assistance to women and children in need and prioritising housing for female headed households would remain at the top of government's priorities," said minister Balfour.

"We need to recommit ourselves in ensuring that violence against women and children does not prevail," said the minister.

"Government alone cannot solve the problem, joint initiatives are needed," he said.

The campaign is aimed at generating awareness about violence directed at women and children.

During the campaign, money would be raised to assist non-governmental organisations that assist abused women and children.

Last year the campaign received overwhelming support from Parliament.

President Thabo Mbeki and Cabinet Ministers pledged their support to the campaign pledging to expose any form violence directed at women in their areas.

More than 24 non-governmental organisations offering help to abused women and children in South Africa benefited from the R1.8 million raised during the campaign last year.

South Africa first participated in this event in 1998.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200311170833.html