Speaker and hon members, in this debate today, we are discussing the international theme, as stated by the first speaker, and it is quite impressive that everybody in this House is in agreement that violence against women is a sin against mankind and nature. My debate will be looking through the eye of a woman.
The Constitution recognises gender equality as the cornerstone of the South African democracy. The ANC-led government has developed several pieces of legislation to redress the wrongs affecting women and children. Although the global campaign focuses on violence against women only, South Africa added to its campaign the issue of children, because children are experiencing violence in the country, especially in the Western Cape where the brutal killing of children is rife. South Africa is still the home of high levels of violence against women and children, despite the renowned Constitution and legislative overhaul that safeguard women's rights.
Speaker and hon members, the campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children was introduced in this country in 1998, after the country had ratified the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, Cedaw, following the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is the document which some countries are using against judgments held for individuals to fight their cases, such as in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and others. In South Africa, 12 years down the line, we are still experiencing violence and, as South Africans, we must be very well informed about these international instruments and their benefits, including the enforcement agencies, parliamentarians, officials and the population in general. To date, we have not done that homework as required by Cedaw effectively.
By the way, all Members of Parliament should have a copy of Cedaw in their offices, so that they can use it effectively for themselves and for their constituencies, particularly to address the issue of violence against women and children, as well as the judiciary.
As we all know, the Domestic Violence Act was written into legislation in 1998, but even today we are still experiencing domestic violence. This phenomenon is showing its ugly face practically every day wherever we walk and whenever we hear the experiences of people on the ground. We all know that violence begins at any stage of a relationship and may continue after the relationship. Children are often at harm and risk in families affected by domestic violence, whether from being directly abused or from what they witness. Implementation and enforcement of the laws have become a major problem at various levels, namely the police, families, relatives and communities. As the theme of the debate centres around families, this becomes even more complex.
The slogan of this country is "365 days of no violence against women and children," but this has not really become a reality. We must put on our running shoes to deal with this matter and to reduce and, finally, to eradicate violence against women and children. Crime statistics report that violence against women and children has been reduced, but we still have high incidences of domestic violence.
It is not surprising, as reported by communities, that some law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, send them back home to discuss the matter as this is a family matter. Are these officials really aware of what is expected of them in the implementation of the law? Where must these families go if they cannot go to the police station for recourse? This is a serious matter. Communities, at most times in our constituencies, state that they used to report the instances of violence but now they don't want to report them for two reasons: victimisation by perpetrators and the fact that communities usually say it is none of their business. So, they don't really involve themselves in that. One of the reasons given by women to return to violent partnerships is the difficulty in setting up a new life, starting over in a new home, in a new school, and finding new employment which can be overwhelming for them. Escaping violent relationships, especially where they have little or no support as well as no education is quite problematic and difficult.
We do applaud the work that is done by various organisations for the assistance that they give at times, voluntarily. It was further shocking news that the leader of Libya used women as his security guards, and, once he had abused them, he would get rid of them. Laws can change society; the justice system can provide effective means for women to demand accountability to put a stop to violence in relationships. The courts have been the site of some incredible groundbreaking legal decisions. Women all over the world have used courts to get justice, winning decisions that benefit not only themselves, but also expand access to justice for millions of other women as mentioned earlier.
The Department of Higher Education and Training can help to improve the skills of those who do not have formal education, as most women are breadwinners in the country, after all. Lastly, violence against women and children is a shame to humankind. We all must strive to end it. We cannot enjoy democracy where there is a lot of violence that goes unabated.
In conclusion, the need for the campaign against violence on women and children must really be done away with. After the campaign, we must see the real and serious action.
Konakele malungu ahloniphekileyo, masisukume sakhe kabusha, sisukume senze lokho okuzosiza ukuthi udlame olubhekiswe kubantu besifazane nezingane lwehle. Sonke sineqhaza esinokulibamba. [Things are bad hon members; let us stand up and start afresh, and do something that would assist in reducing the incidences of violence against women and children. We all have a role to play.]
Thank you very much, Speaker. [Applause.]