Imagine a violence-free SA...

2005-11-24 19:23

Johannesburg - Imagine no rape, violence against women, child abuse, sexual harassment or emotional abuse in South Africa for 16 days, challenges Tshidi Tlale-Malao, human resources executive at the Legal Aid Board.

The board, in partnership with the government, will be taking part in the global 16-Days of Activism for No Violence against Women campaign, starting on Friday.

"The 16-Days of Activism campaign challenges the nation to declare a truce on violence against women and children - and, ultimately, to make this campaign a way of life for South Africans", said Tlale-Malao.

"Although the global campaign focuses on violence against women only, South Africa added children to its campaign because of the high incidence of child abuse here," she said.

"South Africa is one of the countries with high levels of violence against women and children, despite a world-renowned constitution and a legislative overhaul that safeguards women's rights."

Wearing white ribbons

According to the board, a woman is raped every 23 seconds, 58 children - 15% of them under 11 - are raped every day, and a woman is killed every six days by her intimate partner.

"The Legal Aid Board staff will wear white ribbons in showing personal and organisational commitment to the eradication of violence against women and children," said Tlale-Malao.

"The white ribbon symbolises the commitment of the wearer to "never commit or condone violence against women and children, and to speak out about violence where they see it."

- SAPA