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President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- Society still has a long way to go to curb the scourge of gender-based violence, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence begin on Wednesday.
- Ramaphosa says that ending gender-based violence is a moral and human rights imperative.
South Africa and the world still have a long way to go to live in a place free from sexism, discrimination and violence against women and girls, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter on Monday.
The president’s message comes ahead of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence that begins on Wednesday and runs through International Human Rights Day on December 10.
“Despite our best efforts as an international community, as national governments and as a civil society, gender-based violence remains a feature of the lives of millions of women and girls around the world. The reality is that legislative and Policies instituted by governments alone cannot rid us of this problem, “Ramaphosa said.
She said that the 16 Days of Activism campaign affirmed the need for all sectors of society to play their part in the fight against gender-based violence.
“It is up to all of us, as individuals and communities, to bring about the change we so desperately need. It’s about driving a fundamental change in social attitudes that allow sexism, chauvinism and patriarchy to flourish.”
Priceless work recognized
Ramaphosa recognized the invaluable work being done by those outside government to combat gender-based violence, as volunteers, social workers, counselors, as well as friends, neighbors, and co-workers of victims.
“The women and children of this country, and indeed the entire people of South Africa, will always be grateful for the work of our robust, activist and principled civil society workers and organizations.
READ | Gender violence: time to change the course of the scourge
“Beyond its devastating effects on the health, safety and well-being of women and girls, this insidious problem has significant social, political and economic impacts.”
Economic impact of gender violence
Ramaphosa said that according to a 2017 study, the economic cost of GBV in South Africa was between R28 billion and R42.4 billion a year. This included the social services, housing, and medical care needed to respond effectively to gender-based violence.
“Individuals and families bear the largest share of the costs, from reduced income to replacing broken property, to transportation to seek care or attend court. Additionally, the productivity of women in abusive relationships it is also negatively affected. “
He said there was also a second-generation impact, such as the cost of services for children and other affected people.
“It is clear then that eradicating gender violence is not only a moral and human rights imperative, but it is also key for us to realize our potential for development as a country.
“Let us continue in the spirit of mutual respect and partnership to make this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign impactful and make a difference. By the time the campaign concludes on International Human Rights Day, we are closer to achieving a society in which the rights of women and girls are respected and protected, “said Ramaphosa.
Read the full president’s newsletter here.
