Taxi rank attack inspires march

A MEMORANDUM demanding renewed commitment to women’s rights was signed by Justice Minister Jeff Radebe outside the High Court in Joburg yesterday afternoon.

The signing was the climax of an ANC Women’s League march demanding an end to sexual harassment of women in public places.

The ANCWL decided to hold the march after two young women were recently chased by a group of men at the Noord Street taxi rank, who groped them and shouted at them because of their clothing – one wore a miniskirt and the other’s bra strap was showing.

Radebe said those who told women what to wear were not freedom fighters.

“The struggle for freedom has always been the struggle for human rights, the struggle for women’s empowerment.”

He joked that he had come out in support of the march “because I like miniskirts”, amid laughter and applause from the crowd.

The miniskirt march began at Bree Street taxi rank under the watchful eye of a heavy police contingent.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, Minister of Women Lulu Xingwana and one of the Noord Street victims led the march.

Speaking outside the High Court, Xingwana said: “Real men don’t rape women; real men love and respect women.”

The ANCYL was joined by members of Cosatu and Women and Men Against Child Abuse for the march. The Commission for Gender Equality pledged its support.

Some women – and several men – wore mini skirts for the march.

Marchers sang and danced, waving ANC flags and banners bearing slogans such as: “I am proud of my miniskirt.” – Sapa