24 November 2005
Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang will be addressing the annual Men's Forum meeting in Polokwane, Limpopo on Friday 25th November to mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
The campaign - which is officially recognised by the United Nations (UN), is an intersectoral initiative partnering government, civil society organisations and business to raise awareness and raise funds against gender-based violence.
Every year government engages in various activities to highlight the effects of gender-based violence on vulnerable groups such as women, children, the disabled and people living with HIV and AIDS. The key commemorative dates during the campaign are:
The national theme for this year's is "Partnership for Peace - Act Against Abuse". A strong focus of this year's campaign will be to involve men and health workers in the discourse about combating violence in our homes, our communities and in the workplace.
This is done firstly by reminding health workers, men and communities that healthy living includes maintaining a healthy state of psychological, mental and physical well-being, i.e. a lifestyle free of abuse and violence. Secondly, to ensure that our health facilities provide accessible and good quality care to survivors through the creation of supportive and caring environment.
As part of the activities for the campaign Minister Tshabalala-Msimang will address the Men's Forum meeting in Polokwane with strong emphasise on the health consequences of gender based violence by urging men and communities to intervene appropriately in situations of abuse of women and other vulnerable groups.
Other activities during the course of the 16 days of the campaign include the Minister' Tshabalala-Msimang's keynote address at the 5th Annual Congress of Midwives of South Africa to be held in Mpumalanga. Both activities will involve health walks, the signing of pledges by health workers and targeted communities and the distribution of postcards messages of support signed by the Minister.
Members of the public will also be encouraged to support the campaign's fund raising drive in donating R5 by sending SMS's with the words "16 Days" to the following number: 31616. Proceeds from the fund will go towards initiatives to eliminate violence against women and other vulnerable groups.
Issued by the National Department of Health
Chief Directorate: Communications
Enquiries: Solly Mabotha: 083 678 9860