The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will on 10 December 2021 close the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign).

The campaign has been observed under the theme: The Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke: 16 Days of Activism – moving from awareness to accountability. This year, the campaign has adopted a programmatic approach that focuses on accountability to address the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in line with the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. The move to accountability calls on all stakeholders to take responsibility in realising a South Africa free from GBVF.

With the 10th of December being International Human Rights Day, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will use this platform to remind South Africa that every citizen must commit to 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. The day calls for every man, women and child to be treated equally and for all human rights to be respected and upheld.

The closing event takes place after a 2-day workshop was held in Emalahleni to sensitise taxi operators to GBV experienced at taxi ranks and in taxis. The workshop, developed in partnership with the National School of Government (NSG), seeks to create safer transport spaces for women and children. The 16 Days of Activism closing event will take place at a taxi rank in Middelburg.

It is envisaged that the trained operators will serve as ambassadors against gender-based violence in the taxi industry. The training programme will be rolled out in all provinces over a period of time.

This  training forms part of an ongoing programme rolled out in provinces as part of the department’s 365 Days of Activism Campaign, linked to Pillar 2 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF) which advocates for prevention and social cohesion, thereby ensuring safe spaces for women and children.

Source: Government of South Africa