By Editorial
Today, November 25, marks the start of the government’s annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, which also coincides with the UN’s International Day of No Violence against Women.
We don’t have to tell you that South Africa and the world is, generally, a violent place for women and children.
Even in, what should be, the safe confines of their homes, too often women and children are subjected to physical violence from the men who ought to love and protect them.
Girls, from a young age, are taught to be apprehensive around men and, in some communities, a woman’s survival is premised on her fear of physical violence at the hands of men.
And while the annual government campaign raises awareness, in the hopes of changing societal attitudes, some would say it is merely lip service when one considers the stories covered in the media about the numerous cases of violence against women and children.
Our Constitution protects the rights of women and children, but its ethos still needs to seep through our society. For too long, it has been considered normal to abuse women and children (which takes on many forms), all in the name of asserting a male dominance. That needs to stop.
While the police and the courts are doing their best to prosecute perpetrators, and victims find the courage to raise their voices and speak out, many communities would rather wish it all away.
For too long our faith communities have turned a blind eye while women and children have been violated in places which should provide them with safety. Some traditional leaders have allowed, and in some cases encouraged, abuse all in the name of men asserting their masculinity.
But there is a different way, and it starts at home. Boys should be taught from their fathers, mothers and the communities in which they live that masculinity does not equate to being abusive.
Our failure to deal with gender-based violence will see government’s ambitious National Development Plan targets for 2030 come to nought.
We have started the conversation but now is the time to follow through and implement.
The Star