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Ladies and Gentlemen of the media,

We have come here today to confirm our full support for the initiative of mobilising thousands of men and women as well as communities to March against Violence on Women and Children. Our support for this initiative stems from the fact that the issue of women, their rights as well as the abuse and violence they face in society today are a matter of great concern and priority to the government. Consequently, gender issues in general have become a priority in various government departmental policies and programmes.

The Social and Justice Cluster in particular have prioritised issues of women including victim empowerment support with a view to ensuring that effective strategies are implemented to alleviate the conditions of women. Some of these interventions include strengthening the criminal justice system such that it protects women and provides effective support for victims for crime and violence against women. Government believes that the solution to the problem to violence against women requires an integrated approach. That integrated approach should enhance partnerships with the business sector, labour, civil society, FBOs, NGOs and CBOs, etc.

In this regard, we are working closely with Business Against Crime in developing and strengthening the criminal justice system. Another area of focus is building awareness in the communities and strengthening community based initiatives that are aimed at tackling the huge social and economic challenges facing the country, like poverty, HIV/AIDS as well as problems of abuse.

The Department of Social Development and government in general consider women a critical role-player in the consolidation of democracy, the strengthening of families and communities. Women have and continue to play a very important role in the struggle for socio-economic development. It is therefore imperative that men play a critical role in ensuring that violence and abuse of women is eliminated from our society. The Men's March opens up an opportunity for real men to prove themselves by coming out in their thousands and be counted.

The Men's March against Violence on Women and Children should be located within the broader goal of promoting the rights of women, strengthening families and communities as well as the entrenchment of a culture of respect for human rights within our society.

The Department of Social Development has developed various programmes that are targeting women and children specifically. These include poverty alleviation within the context of the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Strategy and the Urban Renewal Programme.

We are also working closely with the Departments of Justice, and Safety and Security in the areas of victim empowerment and support. Other programmes also include social security, which involves the disbursements of grants like disability, child support grant, etc.

We are looking at mechanisms of improving the general social security in the country in order to make it responsive and accessible to the poorest of the poor, the majority of whom are women, especially in rural areas. The Committee established to look at a Comprehensive Social Security System is to present its report to Cabinet this month. The Department of Social Development is also accelerating the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee of Enquiry into Abuse of Elderly Persons.

We urge all sectors of our society to participate in the March and other initiatives taken in the Sixteen Days of Activism against Violence on Women and Children. We can only build a caring society and a better life for all when our women and children are protected and enabled to play a meaningful role in our democracy.

Enquiries: Mbulelo Musi at 083 602 57 95

Issued by: Ministry of Social Development, 1 November 2001