Unite against GBV

WE ARE celebrating women this month. Sadly, women in our rainbow nation are being assaulted, raped and killed every hour. Our society is contaminated with many atrocities and abnormalities. It is difficult to comprehend why we as a human species resort to grotesque acts of savagery.

Gender based violence (GBV) is a widespread issue that presents a real, deadly threat to millions of people. The killing of a female partner by an intimate male partner is the most extreme outcome of GBV.

A woman is killed every three hours in our country. About 943 children were killed in 2019/2020.

During the same period, there were 42 289 rape cases, 7 749 sexual assault cases, and 2 076 attempted sexual offences. Child abuse is widespread,with 35% of children experiencing some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime.

We should not tolerate any violence and should not be bullied into silence. GBV is a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of women. A life free of violence is the fundamental right of women and children.

It takes courage to reveal a rape ordeal. Because of the risk of invasion of one’s privacy and the resulting stigma and trauma, thousands of sexual assaults go unreported in South Africa.

It is estimated that 40% of women in our country will be raped in their lifetime, that 1 in 4 cases are reported, and that 14% of the perpetrators of rape are convicted.

Those who kill and abuse women and children must be declared hostis humani generis – Latin for enemy of mankind.

These individuals are cold-hearted sex fiends and society bears the guilt for condoning sex pests. The law must harshly punish the defiler. The judicial system must deal with this.

We must conjure a unified solution for the epidemic sexual violence. Human life is intrinsically valuable and therefore worthy of dignity and respect. As a nation united against GBV, we must remember the words of this message: “Wa thinta abafazi, wa thinta imbokodo” (You strike a woman, you strike a rock).

FAROUK ARAIE

Benoni