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Press ALERT, 09 December 2021

Put a stop to all forms of gender based violence

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) National Women Structure is appealing to all citizens of this country to put a STOP to all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) by observing and monitoring the 16 Days of Activism against women and children abuse daily.

These days should not only be commemorated in November and December but should be an all-year programme designed to completely transform the consciousness of those men who are entrenched in sexism and misogyny.

"Given the scourge of GBV in South Africa, in 2019 President Cyril Rama[phosa implemented an emergency response action on GBV and Femicide. As responsible citizens it is upon each one of us to uphold the culture of implementing 0% of abuse against Women and Children and the LGBTQ+ family", said Mathapelo Khanye, NUM National Women's Structure Secretary.

We further called upon all men in the country to respect women and support all efforts intended at fighting the abuse of women and children. In South Africa, the abuse culminates in a woman being killed every 4 hours. Most women killed in South Africa are killed by their partners or ex-partners and many of them suffer months or years of domestic abuse before their death.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

Other key commemorative days during this period include World Aids Day on the 1st December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on 3 December of every year.

It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The South Africa theme for 2021 is “The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke – 16 Days of Activism – moving from awareness to accountability”.

The Global theme set by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign is : “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”

As the NUM National Women Structure we are calling on the government to put money where it is mostly needed in support of gender-based violence campaigns.

As responsible and accountable citizens we must be:

a. Be an activist against GBV in our communities,
b. Play our part by rejecting and reporting abusers, Act and don’t look away,
c.  Do not protect abusers, report them!
d.  Sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence. Do not engage in abusive activities and become an abuser- Stop abuse.
e.  Challenge and denounce cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities,
f.  Be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims - share helpful information and support causes near you.
g.  Seek personal help to change harmful behaviors such as alcohol and substance abuse
h.  Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender based violence in your sector, workplace and communities.

Together, let us take actions to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

For more information, please contact:

Mathapelo Khanye, NUM National Women's Structure National Secretary, 064 051 3904/082 561 2010