PRESIDENCY SAYS NO TO WOMEN AND CHILD ABUSE
By Matome Sebelebele, Pretoria

November 25, 2003 – (BuaNews - Pretoria) President Thabo Mbeki has thrown his weight behind the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

In a statement today, the President urged the nation to stand up against any form of aggression towards women and children.

"In massive and open solidarity, let us show how we feel," he appealed.

"Let these 16 Days lay the foundation for ongoing action until the abuse of women and children is eradicated - in our homes, places of work and communities.

"There is no doubt about the outrage we all feel at the violence that is perpetrated against the women and children of our country and the world," affirmed Mr Mbeki.

The campaign aims to stir the public to stand up against rape, child molestation, domestic violence and serious violent criminal acts affecting thousands of women and children.

Deputy President Jacob Zuma launched the campaign in Kimberly, Northern Cape today.

The day is marked worldwide to commemorate the death of the three Mirabel sisters who were detained, tortured and assassinated in 1960, during the dictatorship of Trujillo in the Dominican Republic.

At least more than 1000 cases of such abuse are reported to police every month, while some go unreported or are later withdrawn by victims due to threats to their lives by their perpetrators.

Speaking at the launch this morning, Mr Zuma urged the public to join forces with authorities to wipe out gender abuse.

He added that government, since 1994, had prioritised the eradication of the scourge by tightening the country's laws as well as setting up 40 specialised sexual offences courts.

"Fellow South Africans, please do join us again this year, as we mobilise the whole nation to intensify the campaign to promote the rights, security and comfort of women and children," appealed Mr Zuma.

The campaign was initiated by the government in 1998 as an annual campaign to generate increased awareness about violence directed at women and children.

Meanwhile scores of men are due to take to the streets of Cape Town today in a defiant march to protest against violence against women and children.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200311250270.html