16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is a worldwide campaign aimed at creating awareness around women and child abuse. The national theme for the campaign, launched by President Jacob Zuma on 25 November, is Count me in: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward.
Our celebs weigh in on what the campaign means to them and if they believe that enough is being done to combat violence against women and children in South Africa.
Boity
This campaign means protecting the stability of not just South Africa, but the entire world. Ultimately, women are key factors in maintaining a stable world and as a result, it is important that they are protected. The same goes for children, who are the future of our world; they need to be nurtured and their future secured. We also need to spread the message to the horrible men who abuse women and children. I believe that there is a lot of awareness created around women and child abuse; I am not sure that it’s enough though. It is also up to the people who are being abused to take action and create more awareness around the issues that affect them.
Sade
Awareness over 16 days of Activism is a huge thing to me. Nobody should endure abuse at all. I understand that it is done towards the end of the year because it is the festive season and people tend to drink a lot and may become more violent, but 16 days is not enough. I think awareness should be raised 365 days a year, and only emphasised as we approach the festive season.
Pearl Modiadie
I believe that there is enough awareness, but people need to participate more – myself included. I hear a lot about women and child abuse, and sincerely wish I could do more to build awareness around such issues because they are very important, especially here in South Africa.
Ms Cosmo
The campaign relates to women and the difficulties they face, especially when it comes to issues like domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Even more so in our country, it is a very big deal. However, only 16 days in the whole year dedicated to women and child abuse is not enough because abuse does not happen in just 16 days. Nonetheless, it is better than nothing. The awareness period definitely needs to be extended. Also, both men and women need to support the movement. I personally support it a lot. It is something that is a very big deal for me.
Bucie
I think the campaign is good, but 16 days is not enough. The awareness is something that needs to happen all the time because women and children are being abused every single day.This year alone, we have seen so many reports in the news about children and little girls being abused, which shows just how important this movement is. Today, it is sad that you cannot let your kids play freely outside without worrying about whether they are dressed appropriately, because men use this as an excuse to abuse them. We are now obliged to protect our kids more, because they are potential victims too.
Rosie Motene
My opinion on 16 Days of Activism has changed dramatically. I see the government and the police using it as a PR tool. Throughout the year, women are constantly fighting for dignity. I’ve witnessed protocol not being followed by the police, as well as secondary victimisation and bribery when women report their cases.On top of that they are lied to, made to attend many unnecessary meetings and then the police just goes quiet and not do anything about the reported case. It’s also disturbing to see that arrogant men who lack empathy and compassion are assigned as investigating officers in rape cases. At the end of the day, the rights and dignity of women in SA become irrelevant. I think we have a long way to go.
