Stop the violence

THE Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is concerned with the gruesome murder of a woman by her partner in De Doorns.

The senseless and barbaric killing of Laurina Ryk with a shovel places the spotlight not only on intimate partner killings, but also on gender-based violence that continues unabated in South Africa.

Using a spade to kill a defenceless and vulnerable person should not be tolerated in a society that has embraced a Bill of Rights which espouses respect for dignity, equality and the right to security of every person.

Although the commission is grateful the administration of justice will act in this matter and justice will most likely be delivered, this brings little comfort to family members who have lost a loved one and, more especially, the 1-year-old child who will be adversely affected.

Laurina’s death and the manner in which she lost her life, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend, is another reminder that South Africa is not addressing gender-based violence effectively.

The CGE has not been silent on gender-based violence, which stalks men and women, but especially our women and girls in the “sanctuary” of their homes where they are supposed to be protected against harm and violence.

In its 2013 “Report on the Eradication of Violence Against Women and Children”, the CGE raised the fact there is a need for South Africa to move beyond policy development and to initiate meaningful as well as co-ordinated strategic imperatives that will start reversing gender-based violence (GBV).

Even if the life of a single Laurina is saved, this would be a signal of victory against GBV because it would mark the beginning of an era where the government is taking theserious concern of women seriously – to heed the call of peace-loving South Africans “to go to war against GBV”.

In keeping with our constitutional and legal mandate, the commission will be monitoring this case in ensuring that the accused and victims receive a fair trial.

However, this will definitely not be the end of our commitment towards achieving a society free from all forms of gender oppression and inequality.

The commission calls on South Africans to join hands as part of the 365 Days of Activism to continue raising awareness and advocating against the scourge of gender-based violence.

We hope people will start learning alternative ways of resolving conflicts as an ethos without resorting to violence.

People can use our toll-free number 0800 007 709 to report cases of genderbased violence. Javu Baloyi Commission for Gender Equality