16 Days campaign targets abuse
By Tabisa Mntengwana
23 November 2009
THE annual 16 Days of Activism campaign against woman and child abuse starts on Wednesday, 25 November with various activities, including an anti-rape initiative and a door-to-door gender violence programme.
The 16 Days includes World Aids Day on 1 December. Over the campaign, awareness is raised about the effect of violence on women and children. “This time is set for us as Buffalo City residents to work together and fight the abuse of women and children,” Executive Mayor Zukisa Faku says about 16 Days.
“As the municipality we encourage people to talk about abuse because abuse can compromise your future.”
An annual, national campaign, it is aimed at mobilising all sectors of society to act against abuse.
To support the 16 Days campaign, people are encouraged to wear white ribbons as a symbol of peace and a pledge by the wearer never to commit or condone violence against women and children.
Faku has also urged her citizens to participate in activities planned for various venues around the city, as this help to raise awareness. “People can volunteer through various non-governmental organisations and community groups which support abused women and children,” she suggests.
The City also encourages people to join community policing forums and to donate to organisations working to end violence against women and children.
To mark the campaign, the Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre is holding an anti-rape gathering on 25 November at John Dube Clinic in Scenery Park. A bus programme will also stop in Buffalo Flats, Duncan Village and Mdantsane.
There will be a door-to-door gender violence campaign at Eluxolweni Township on 27 November and a commemoration of World Aids Day at Empilisweni Woodlands Aids Education and Training Centre in King William’s Town.
Activities will culminate with a commemoration of International Human Rights Day at Newlands Location in East London on 10 December, the final day of the 16 Days of Activism.
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