NGOS BENEFIT FROM OVER R1.8M TO FIGHT ABUSE
By Edwin Tshivhidzo, Pretoria

November 6, 2003 – (BuaNews - Pretoria) More than 24 NGOs offering help to abused women and children in South Africa have benefited from the R1.8 million raised during the 16 days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign last year.

The 16 days of activism is an international campaign aimed at raising public awareness on human rights and gender violence.

Last year, the campaign received overwhelming support from cabinet ministers who pledged their support to expose any form of violence directed to women and children in their areas, by pledging their signatures in this regard.

President Thabo Mbeki also pledged his support for the campaign.

Speaking in Pretoria yesterday, Deputy Justice Minister Cheryl Gillwald said she hoped this year's campaign would yield more fruit than the previous one.

"We want to ensure that we get everybody on board," said Ms Gillwald, appealing to people to go the extra mile to raise awareness about the campaign.

The deputy minister is expected to announce this year's programme and theme next week.

During the campaign, focus is on domestic issues, as part of the global activism for non-violence against women and children.

By the end of the campaign last year, over 200 000 signatures had been received as pledges to protect those who are vulnerable in society.

Private companies such as Eskom and First National Bank pledged their support to the campaign by committing R1 each for the first 100 000 signatures reached.

Standard Bank also handed over R30 000 to the justice department in support of the campaign.

Other funds came from a benefit concert, which was held at the Spoornet State Theatre in Pretoria at which tickets were sold at R200 each, while some interest groups had donated further funds.

The theme for the 2002 campaign was 'South Africa United in fighting Violence Against Women and Children, Together we can make a difference.'

The Foundation for Human Rights was selected to co-ordinate the distribution of money to the various organizations.

Priority was given to rural community-based organisations working directly with women and children affected by violence.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women Campaign is an international event that is observed annually.

South Africa first participated in this event in 1998.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200311060304.html