Questions raised on activism days
ALEXANDRA – More is needed to enhance impact of anti-violence campaign.
As the nation commemorates 16 Days Of Activism For No Violence Against Women And Children, questions have been raised on the campaign’s impact.
The global campaign has been going for years between 25 November and 10 December. In-between, there is also the World Aids Day which is commemorated on 1 December.
The concern is whether the impact is effective given the unabating abuse and violence on victims. Recent statistics on crime by National Police Minister Beki Cele revealed a mixture of increase and nominal reduction in crime most of which has a direct or indirect impact on women and children who in the majority depend on men. The concern raised by Mavis Rathogwa of NPO Lifeline was when Alexandrians also commemorated the occasion at Altrec Sports Complex. The speeches and activities done were to remind in particular men of the untold suffering they inflict on people they should love, nurture and protect. The abuse and violence force them to succumb to any pressure even in their homes. This from fear of reporting the abuser who they could loose together with the benefits they get as their only breadwinner. In doing so, many fall victim to femicide.
Rathogwa said while the campaign is a noble reminder of the pain and suffering, its impact ought to be measured. “Many tasks and events are crammed into the few days and everything reverts to ‘normal’ soon after until the following year’s commemoration. In-between a lot occurs with many women and children killed and maimed through abuse and violence,” Rathogwa said.
She suggested for the occasion to be held more regularly to intensify the impact and encourage behavioural change in men. “Sixteen days may have outlived the purpose.”
She also suggested an option of support groups meeting regularly. “They will create more awareness, make more men confess to their roles while feeling supported. Rathogwa also proposed structured activities targeting women who out of frustration in their marriage turn to self-destructive behaviour. Many women, including in Alex, smoke and drink alcohol to cope with the abuse. “This is done to mask the problem, which unfortunately has negative consequences for children who emulate the behaviour as a way out of the abusive relationship they witness in the home.”
To end the abuse and emotional-related challenges, Rathogwa urged for strong, holistic and long-term intervention programmes.
