During the debate on the scourge of violence against women and children, Mr Zakhele Mbhele said the recent march by men against women abuse – predicated on Not in My Name campaign – was an expression of an outrage and unacceptable violence against women and children. “This march signalled a shift from lamenting, to men playing a key role against sexist and patriarchal tendencies.”
We must deter this crime by ensuring that our criminal justice and sexual norms de-stigmatise violence against women and children, he said. “We need to challenge social codes and conventions that transmit inter-generational discrimination against women and children.”
“We need government ministers to account for the failure of the state to make our country safe for our women. When we assume we will ensure that we make our streets and homes safe, where children and women can live in peace,” he said.
“The pandemic of domestic violence is a shame of our times. It is sad that during the annual Children’s Week, the public learns of gruesome acts of violence against women and children,” said the Minister of Home Affairs, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize. “Last week we have been drenched in pain and suffering due to these acts.”
The cost of pain of domestic abuse is too high. ”It creates generational scars. It affects the country’s GDP (gross domestic product) because it affects productivity. And the costs on law enforcement and hospitals hamper general progress in development.
“We should find solace that their rights are protected in our Constitution. Gender mainstreaming (the process of assessing the implications for women and men, of any planned action, including legislation and policies) is one critical area which the government has paid attention to since 1994 – it is at the centre of our new dispensation. The women’s ministry supported families of victims of violence and availed government willingness for assistance.”
I stand here on behalf of all the bold men who say Not in My Name, in reference to violence against women and children, said Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa. “We need a moment of reflection to determine how we arrived at this low point. To achieve that, we need to raise the consciousness of both the boys and girls. While we empower women, we need to disempower boys of their patriarchal tendencies,” he said.
“We must not tolerate violence against women, but on the other hand, we must eradicate unequal distribution of power which is at the centre of women and gender-based violence, said Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa.
He also urged against traditional leaders and religious beliefs that lead to intolerance and unequal treatment of women. The Not in My Name campaign must be intensified and be part of our daily existence, he added.
The distribution of pornography is to be blamed for the sexual abuse of women, said Ms Cheryllyn Dudley. “Pornography makes men to see women as sexual objects. Research has shown that the use of pornography is related to gender-based violence.”
We are faced with a serious matter that has engulfed the nation and there is a serious job to be done, said the Minister of Police, Mr Fikile Mbalula. ”Police will work tirelessly to fight against domestic violence. Enough is enough. Your pain is our pain. As men, we walk in shame. We need practical changes and we have resolved that women get legal, social and psychological support. This will ensure that we create a specialised response to this crime. And we will do all our best to keep you safe in your homes.
“To increase the effectiveness of our response to this scourge, we have now resolved to make drastic changes to how we handle the cases of domestic abuse and rape. We have now ensured that victims’ interviews are done by trained female police. And interviews of such crimes will not take place at a police station, including the medical examination. Also, evidence will be collected by women police and all victims of offences will be referred to victims’ support programmes.
“Women must not hide behind the shame of domestic violence. Each domestic violence is a potential rape. Rape and gender-based violence are regarded as fundamental threats to security and will be treated as a priority crime. Domestic violence, rape and the killing of women by men are a dishonour to our freedom and our democracy. We have a political will to fight this scourge. Let us denounce patriarchy. Boys you are, because women are,” he said.
By Abel Mputing
1 June 2017
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