 Lesego Motsepe, renowned actress, poet, social activist and an entrepreneur, captivated all in attendance with a poignant poetry reading
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16 days of activism for no violence against women and children
Each year, the 16 days from 25 November until 10 December are marked internationally as the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children. This year, on 26 November 2009, the Unisa Institute for Social and Health Sciences (ISHS), in collaboration with the Crime Violence and Injury Lead Programme of the Medical Research Council (MRC-Unisa CVI-LP) and the local Department of Human Development, hosted a community-based event at the Vlakfontein Skills Centre to mark this important period.
The programme for this day included a brief video related to violence against women and children, as well as a recording of United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s speech addressing the global priorities for the prevention of violence against women and children. In his speech, the Secretary General extended a call to action, encouraging men around the world to act and unite to change the practices and attitudes that incite, perpetrate and condone this violence. He emphasised that violence against women and girls will not be eradicated until all of us --- men and boys --- refuse to tolerate it. The clip also included Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s pledge to work tirelessly to end violence against women and girls.
Thereafter, a representative from the ISHS offered a brief presentation on the nature and types of violence which threaten women and children. Throughout this presentation, community members were invited to ask questions. Community members and stakeholders in attendance responded eagerly, and the debate and discussion provided an excellent forum for inter-sectoral engagement.
This was followed by a panel discussion, facilitated by Mr Royal Lekoba of the ISHS. A number of local stakeholders were represented on the panel, including the Family Life Centre, the South African Human Rights Commission, the South African Police Services, Ngata Safety and Health Promotion Team, Child Welfare, and Lenasia South’s Youth Crime Desk, as well as representatives from the MRC-Unisa CVI-LP.
Each organisation explained their role and activities as related to violence prevention, and thereafter the floor was opened, allowing community members to pose their questions and concerns. This was an important opportunity which allowed for information dissemination and clarity on topics such as protection orders, the justice system and criteria for conviction, human rights (as well as specific child rights), and appropriate procedure for cases of abuse and violence, whether suspected or known.
Finally, Lesego Motsepe, a renowned actress, poet, social activist and an entrepreneur, captivated all in attendance with a poignant poetry reading, which sought to inspire women and children to commemorate the "16 days of activism for no violence against women and children". Her poetry invoked warmth, passion and endurance, and the audience was visibly moved.
In its annual support of this initiative, the Unisa ISHS endeavours to enhance awareness of the violence which faces South Africa’s women and children. Its continued activities in the violence and injury prevention, and safety promotion arenas seek at all times to enhance the quality of life of these vulnerable groups. As such, the ISHS stands committed to 365 days of activism each year. |
