Chairperson, the FD believes that 16 days of activism is not enough to rid our nation of the scourge of violence against women and children. We must support the UN campaign for 16 days of activism, but this obviously is not enough because it does not impact the rape statistics in South Africa. If the fundamental reasons for violence against women and children are not addressed we will not rid our society of the scourge.
Though we have managed to instil in our people the values of a nonracial society, we still lag behind in instilling in them the value of respect for women and children. The next leg of the challenge of human freedom in our country is to work towards respect and appreciation for women and children. The FD concurs with all the comments made by the speakers against the crime of rape and sexual abuse. We need to reiterate the role of religious and cultural entities in restoring the dignity and humanity of women and children as well as to challenge traditions and conventions to review those values which may diminish the status of women.
The FD will continue to strive for the wellbeing of family life where women, men and children feel safe and secure at home and is supported by political laws and institutions that guarantee the stability of a social environment in which families can find the space for growth and development. I thank you.