Men called on to lead the fight against GBVF
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has encouraged men to lead the fight against Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Speaking at the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against GBVF campaign at Gallagher Estate, Chikunga said most rape and abuse cases go unreported because victims fear perpetrators and lack community protection.
She stressed that men hold the key to ending this national crisis, that is destroying families and robbing them of mothers, daughters and friends.
She has called for unity in fighting the scourge, arguing that it remains critical to strengthen women’s voices and provide the necessary support.
Meanwhile, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela says government needs to allocate more funds for the fight against GBVF.
Professor Madonsela says collaborative efforts in all spheres of society are essential in fighting this national crisis.
“It’s a matter of equality between men and women and therefore, it’s a matter of gender justice, which makes it a social justice issue and it also comes at a time when we have just declared Gender-Based Violence (GBV) a national crisis that has been classified as a disaster, and therefore, we are presented with an opportunity to turn things around,” she says.