Act Against Abuse

Poverty should not make women endure abuse

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:00

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By Nozipho Dlamini
A woman’s economic status should not make her tolerate and endure abuse from a partner who provides financial support, says Deputy Minister of Local and Provincial Government, Nomatyala Hangana.
“We are here to encourage all women in informal settlements and rural areas to understand that they may be poor but they still remain their own persons,” Ms Hangana said Saturday, speaking as convenor of the national campaign for 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
The deputy minister told thousands gathered in Polokwane for the official launch of the national campaign, that no amount of poverty should turn women into “men’s sex toys and punching bags.”
She encouraged men to tell each other that although they were physically stronger than women and children, beating, raping and murdering them was not the way to express such strength.
Farm owners were also challenged to join in the campaign by educating rural women of their rights.
Last month, government launched the Farm Workers Awareness Campaign in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal where farmers’ associations committed themselves to this ideal.
“We hope that all farming communities will adopt this aspect of the campaign that aims to educate rural women specifically those in farms about their rights,” she said.
A Torch of Peace, to remain lit for the duration of the campaign, was handed to Premier Sello Moloto.
Lighting the torch Mr Moloto urged all sectors of society to form partnerships with government in fighting the abuse of women and children.
Echoing earlier sentiments made around the launch, the Premier highlighted the role of men in championing the fight against abuse of this vulnerable group.
“As men we need to stand up and join the fight. We must be unambiguous about this. Let the men who abuse women know that they are not representing the majority of us. We all need to become ambassadors of no violence against women and children,” he said.
Community member Enoch Malaudzi told BuaNews he felt the campaign was important and needed to take place all year round.
“We should denounce violence not only during these 16 Days but everyday,” he said.
In May, government launched “365 Days of Action against gender violence” to enhance the 16 Days campaign.
This year's 16 Days campaign is observed under the theme: "Act Against Abuse.”
BuaNews