By BLOEMFONTEIN: The Free State Provincial Government (FSPG), in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will officially launch the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign on 22 November 2024 at 10:00.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign will take place between 25 November and 10 December 2024 under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children”.
The theme focuses on prevention and economic empowerment to foster financial independence and resilience. This year’s campaign emphasizes addressing the root causes of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), promoting positive masculinity, promoting gender equity, and creating economic opportunities for women and children. At its core, the theme aims to accelerate and amplify multi-sectoral and whole-of-society accountability.
The joint launch by government and the SAPS will take place in Phase 5, next to the Sonskyn Satellite Police Station in Mangaung. The area has been identified as a GBVF hotspot by the SAPS and as such, government is mobilising all relevant key sectors of society in collaborative action and responsibility towards ending GBVF.
The launch, which will kickstart a marathon of key GBVF-centred activities throughout the province, will be led and officiated by the Acting Premier of the Free State, Jabu Mbalula, accompanied by the SAPS Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General BB Motswenyane, and other senior management officials.
GBVF is a societal problem, and we need the help of everyone to resolve it”, said Acting Premier Mbalula. “Our collective actions are key to ending GBVF, and the partnerships we have formed are helping to create a safer South Africa for all.”
The launch will mark the beginning of a series of impactful activities aimed at fostering community engagement and promoting peace. The activities are arranged as follows:
Men’s Peaceful March in Mangaung Metro: Scheduled for 27 November 2024, starting at 10:00 from Hoffman Square in Bloemfontein.
· EXCO visits to the Alcohol Selling Outlets (Hotspots), meeting point Hoffmansquare to Small Street- 27 November 2024
· – Zamdela Sasolburg-28 Novembmer 2024
· -Welkom and Qwaqwa- 29 November 2024
· Peaceful March in Fezile Dabi District: Scheduled for 28 November 2024.
· Peaceful March in Lejweleputswa District: Scheduled for 29 November 2024.
· Take a boy child to Work-Different departments and municipalities
· Men’s summit-Mangaung Metro City Hall, 06 December 2024
· Dialogue with Women with Disabilities, Ferdie Meyer Hall, Welkom-03 December 2024
· Men’s Dialogue in Mangaung Metro: To be held on 06 December 2024 at the Bram Fisher Building, Bloemfontein.
· Men and Boy child dialogue -Boshoff, 09 December 2024
· Provincial Summit on Women Economic Empowerment- Koffiefontein, Diamodhoogte Secondary School- 10 December 2024.
These activities are designed to unite communities, engage men as key partners in combating violence, and create safe spaces for dialogue and action. Government and the SAPS calls upon all citizens of the Free State to participate in these events and pledge their support for a safer, more equitable society. Together, we can create an environment where women and children feel protected, valued, and empowered.
Report suspected abuse to your nearest social worker or police station or call the toll-free Crime Stop number: 086 00 10111. Victims of violence are encouraged to use the 24- Hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre Hotline 0800 428 428 to report any abuse.
