Keep on fighting abuse

IN A follow-up to the 365 Days of Action to End Gender Violence conference held in Kopanong, Joburg, in May 2006, a comprehensive 365 days action plan was launched the next year.

This idea came to fruition as it was realised 16 days were not enough to fight and eventually root out the rampant, senseless violence against women, girls and boys plaguing South Africa.

After more than a decade of freedom under one of the most progressive constitutions, civic and government leaders concluded much more was needed.

It was agreed that a concerted yearlong campaign, monitored regularly and with specific targets, was required.

The annual 16 days campaign would continue to be used in coming years to heighten awareness, take stock of shortcomings and celebrate successes, but the war against this violation of human rights would become a day-to-day, nonstop, year-after-year campaign.

A lot of good work was done in Kopanong almost 11 years ago. Sadly, the scourge has not been eradicated. Not enough was done to implement the plans that required everybody to contribute.

The statistics, and headlines bearing household names such as Courtney Pieters and Karabo Mokoena, tell a harrowing tale of the destruction of the lives of the defenceless and waste of human potential that persists.

They expose our failure to protect the victims.

Recent events across the nation have again reminded us how huge the problem is that we face.

They have again brought to life the figures, such as the Medical Research Council study finding that one in four women had reported they had been raped in their lifetime and another indicating 40%-50% of women had suffered intimate partner violence.

There are clearly gaps in the good action plans, legislation and campaigns we have been using. But, above all, more united, co-ordinated action is urgently required to ensure implementation.

Yesterday’s march to the Union Buildings was part of the action that is needed. It should give us hope as it brought men and women together in this fight.

May this trajectory continue, as well as the sustained implementation of our plans to combat the scourge, until we achieve the South Africa of our dreams, free of gender-based violence, where women, girls and boys can live freely and realise their full potential.