South Africa Begins its Annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign
Part of a global initiative, South Africa's campaign seeks to raise awareness around the country's high levels of gender-based violence, rape and femicide.
South Africa's 16 Days of Activism Campaign begins today. Part of a global campaign established back in 1991 and that South Africa took part in fir the first time seven years later, the annual campaign aims to raise awareness around gender-based violence and femicide in the country—both of which have been on an alarming rise this year. Several protests have taken place in the country in the past few months as women have demanded that government come up with concrete plans to prevent the abduction, rape and murder of numerous young women daily.
While the South African government pledged 1.1 billion Rand towards the fight against gender-based violence and femicide back in September, as well as a five-point plan on bettering a justice system that continues to fail women, very little has actually materialized since then. President Cyril Ramaphosa has already officially kicked off the campaign's launch in Limpopo province.
The South African police on the other hand, has recently asked South Africans for their help in solving cases of domestic violence. According to EWN, Major-General Bafana Linda, the head of the police's family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit said that, "We win and solve cases through partnership. We need information from the community. The lack of information delays solving cases. Hence, we humbly request our communities to come forth."
This year's theme centers on standing against rape. While the campaign has kicked off all over the world, with many in support, there are of course those who feel that it is problematic and does very little in the grand scheme of things.
Today is Day 1 of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Please like or share this post of an issue th… https://t.co/jtIoVcp1XC— Ashnie (@Ashnie)1574656195.0
HERITAGE DAY IS AS PROBLEMATIC AS 1. WOMENS DAY IN SOUTH AFRICA 2. 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM FOR SAFETY OF WOMEN AND CH… https://t.co/kd5x2D3o7f— Ling Hottentot Dior (@Ling Hottentot Dior)1537449525.0
Today we mark the first day of 16 days of Activism. Imagine having 16 days of no abuse and no rape to both women an… https://t.co/i2EwWrrvvD— Shantale Nomazwide Mkhatshwa (@Shantale Nomazwide Mkhatshwa)1543171607.0
A woman is raped every 4 hours in South Africa and our government only waits for 16 Days Of Activism in December to… https://t.co/MeKRLTa1Jf— ZOZI IS MISS UNIVERSE 2019 (@ZOZI IS MISS UNIVERSE 2019)1533547552.0
@SABCNewsOnline I fully support Launching of the 16 Days Of Activism Campaign Against Women and Children 200%.I re… https://t.co/zumiRf1VKF— Nonqaba @nonqaba2 (@Nonqaba @nonqaba2)1574584961.0
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