Hon Speaker, I thank the hon Deputy President for his answer. We all agree that violence against women and children is perhaps the most disturbing and appalling human rights violation and perhaps the most pervasive in our country. We therefore welcome government's initiative. And thank you for outlining your responsibilities in this regard.
However, hon Deputy President, one does not have to fear that the council will become yet another talk shop, considering that it has no powers of implementation. It is not clear whether the council has any new strategies to fight gender-based violence or even adequate resources to execute them. Without dedicated financial and human resources it will just be another great idea, yet another proverbial white elephant. Are we therefore not pinning our hopes on something that will never get off the ground?
In the light of this, hon Deputy President, how will you, as a key role- player, ensure that these challenges are addressed so that the council lives up to its mandate of being a government solution to the pervasive epidemic of rape and gender-based violence in our country? I thank you.