Durban — The KZN government recently launched a campaign to tackle gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, held a diary session in Phoenix on Tuesday where she gave insight into the campaign.
“It is depressing that 28 years after democracy, we are still discussing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide - which is still engulfing our province and country,” said Dube-Ncube.
On Saturday, December 10, 2022, the Provincial Government wrapped up the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children; and launched the 365 Campaign against gender-based violence and femicide in the Umzumbe Municipality, under the Ugu District.
“It is such an honour to partner in this event with the WomanPACT Foundation - which plays a significant role in the overall emancipation of women at grass roots level,” said Dube-Ncube.
She said the WomanPACT Foundation had over 200 000 women members nationwide and through that, had the ability to fight GBVF. She also mentioned that WomanPact would be able to assist with technological developments and through that, strengthen their fight against GBVF .
Dube-Ncube said: “We applaud WomanPACT’s phenomenal growth, taking into consideration that they are only two years old. May they continue to grow in leaps and bounds in the fight against GBV and femicide.
“May they continue to be the voice of the voiceless which echoes across valleys, villages, townships and suburbs where women are stifled and strangled by GBVF. May their programmes bring hope, healing and solace to those who are afflicted by GBVF.”
Dube-Ncube said GBV also affected men and that the only reason there appeared to be just few cases was that society frowned upon it - and when men reported, they were deemed ‘soft.’ She made an appeal to the police to treat all gender-based crimes against men and women on an equal basis.
According to her, GBV increased due to lockdown regulations - where couples found themselves together for extended periods that they were not initially used to.
“To curb and combat the escalating, widespread gender-based violence incidents against women and children, the government decided to establish the White Door Centres of Hope to help the victims of domestic violence which result in the breakdown of families and homes.
“Apart from White Door Centres of Hope, the provincial government also has Thuthuzela Centres - which are found in hospitals and police stations. We urge the victims of GBV to use these centres and shelters to access help, advice as well as counselling pertaining to all forms of violence prevalent in our communities;” said Dube-Ncube.
Daily News