Call to act faster on gender-based attacks
CIVIL society organisations are angry at the slow pace of implementing plans identified at a gender-based violence summit last year that was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
They also called on Ramaphosa to declare addressing gender-based violence a national priority in his State of the Nation Address tomorrow.
“He must commit a budget to the multi-sectoral council, as well as establishing an interim structure. The wheels of justice are turning slowly when it comes to delivering justice for women in the country. We ask for a national strategic plan against gender-based violence and femicide. We also express concern at the slow pace at which the Presidency is addressing issues identified at the Gender Based Violence and Femicide Summit,” said Nontsikelelo Mpulo from Section27.
She said women continued to suffer “unspeakable atrocities” and even death at the hands of men.
She reiterated the call made in the declaration that the national multi-sectoral council must be established, be allocated adequate resources for its optimal functioning and be governed by a legislative framework to ensure effective functioning. “This legislation may be developed subsequent to the establishment of the council. It must have a composition that is inclusive and multi-sectoral in its representation, with the consideration of at least 51% civil society membership.”
They asked the National Strategic Plan against gender-based violence and femicide must be developed within the next six months.
Mandisa Khanyile from Rise against Gender Based Violence said: “This is to ensure that they are more victim-centred and responsive. The review process must be fast-tracked and the identified legislative gaps addressed without further delay.”
Khanyile also said the outstanding bills that relate to gender-based violence and femicide, as well as the protection of the rights of women and girls, must be fast-tracked. These include the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, and the Victim-Support Services Bill.
“We call on President Ramaphosa to ensure that both his office and the relevant ministries implement these interventions.”
Faizel Brown, a community activist, said: “We have the same problems in Mitchells Plain. That is why victims of rape are so reluctant to report cases to the police. It has happened before that the investigating officers go to court and the case gets thrown out.”