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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System --------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 26 Nov 2006 Title: Men's involvement against gender violence is vital --------------------------------------------------------------- By Nozipho Dlamini, tel: (012) 314-2214 Polokwane - Strengthening interventions involving men and boys is vital in the fight against the abuse of women and children, a summit held of the issue has resolved. As part of the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children campaign, a summit was held in Polokwane Friday, which amongst others, resolved that the participation of men and boys was vital in this regard. "Men should play a meaningful role in the quest for gender equality. I submit that the struggle for gender equality is key to the success of our vision for a vibrant democratic society," said Chairperson of the Sonke Gender Justice Project, Bafana Khumalo. He said men should be involved in the fight against this scourge because they continue to be decision makers in households, communities and in relationships. He added that violence against women and children remained a major challenge for the country's young democracy. "The issue of rape and sexual violence is a challenge to our society and the strong link between gender-based violence and HIV and AIDS poses a danger. "This is more so because men have more control over sexual relations than women," said Reverend Khumalo, adding that with power comes responsibility. Outlining other resolutions, Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ntomabazana Botha added that delegates resolved to build and strengthen support for victims and survivors by supporting institutions such as shelters which provide interim assistance to women and children. In order to help abuse women and children become independent from their abusers, the deputy minister said there was a need to promote meaningful economic empowerment of women as an important component of all interventions. "We also thought that to strive for gender justice we need to support the initiatives of government, civil society and faith based organisations that seek to root out gender-based violence both in our country and in the Southern African Development Community region," said Ms Botha. The summit also resolved to address women-on-women abuse with as much rigour as abuse from men. The delegates from government and civil organisations, reaffirmed their commitment to the strategic direction provided by government to focus the campaign on rural areas and other economically-depressed communities. The internationally observed 16 Days Campaign officially kicked off Saturday and is to continue until International Human Rights Day on 10 December. - BuaNews |
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