Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, 18 November 2008, the Deputy Minister of Provincial and Local Government, Ms Nomatyala Hangana, lit a peace torch that marks the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The objective of the campaign is to uphold the rights of citizens and restore the dignity of the most vulnerable members of society.
The theme for this year is, "Don't Look Away. Act Against Woman and Child Abuse".
The major goal and aim of the campaign are to raise awareness of the challenges caused by societal attitudes and practices that continue to perpetuate gender-based violence and child abuse.
The criminal justice cluster will be visiting all provinces and interacting with the people during the period of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
The ANC-led government is committed to working towards the elimination of all manifestations and consequences of patriarchy, from the feminisation of poverty, physical and psychological abuse, undermining of self-confidence, to open and hidden forms of exclusion from the position of authority and power. Critical in this regard, is the creation of material and cultural conditions that allow abilities of women to flourish and enrich the life of the nation. Thank you.