Sunday, November 28, 2010

16 Days of Activism


Imagine if no rape or child abuse took place in South Africa for 16 days. That’s the challenge posed by the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign — for South Africans to declare a truce on violence against women and children – and, ultimately, to make it permanent.

Throughout the country, South Africans are being called on to combat violence against women and children. This appeal is fully supported by Women in Action (WIA) which started the “Save a Tamar” campaign to oppose abuse on Women’s Day, 9th August this year.

This is the 11th year that South Africa is taking part in the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

While the campaign only runs for 16 days each year, its objectives are reinforced by a year-long programme and a national plan to combat abuse.

Despite our renowned Constitution and a legislative framework which safeguards women’s and children’s rights, South Africa still witnesses high levels of violence against women and children. Government, business, civil society, faith-based organisations and the media are all participating in the drive to increase awareness of the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children.

In its four-month long campaign against women and child abuse, WiA members have repeated the message that abuse stripped women of their dignity and most women in society could not strike back at those who abused them.

6 comments:

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

In the United States, when a women reports abuse by a spouse she is much more likely to be killed. That's why the women are offered protected housing in a different city. Even then it is very difficult for women to hide from their abusers. It is a big sacrifice to leave all you know to go into hiding. Most women think they deserve the abuse they get and love their abusers. Only when a women meets God in a real way can she know she doesn't deserve to be abused. Other women cannot see that there is hope for a better life. They think that there is no way out for them and their children.

Abuse will only stop when the abusers' hearts are changed. They need to want to be different people, and believe they can be.

My father was abusive, yet went to church and read the Bible. He hated himself and could never acknowledge that he was wrong because he could not bear the shame. We can't put more shame on the abuser. They are most likely possessed and it will only make them more angry. They need to see the testimonies of others who have changed their lives, to give them hope.

Ayanda said...

This matter affects all of us, we human beings. No one deserve to be abused either way physically, mentally or emotionally. We should all unite in fighting against this violence, when we do that we over power all what the devil is planting in those who normal are committing this crime.

Marcia Pires said...

Dear Janet, thanks for your comment. Indeed this is the situation throughout the world. South Africa has one of the best constitutions in the world in terms of rights to women and children. Even though abuse is escalating by the hour and survivors are generally not supported by the structure for reports and legal action. This is our fight: to use the testimony of few who had their lives transformed and today they set examples to the society. We count on every man and every woman to spread the message. God bless you!

Silindile said...

I repeat the phrase "that abuse stripped women of their dignity and most women in society could not strike back at those who abused them." and I beleive the campaign Save a Tamar has brought hope to many victims of abuse

Thanks Mrs Marcia

Manuela Portela said...

Is not easy for woman and children live a normal life after having suffered an violence and abuse, but i believe the project it will help many life.