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27 November 2008

The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs, Ms Lulu Xingwana, together with the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights would like to invite members of the media to the launch of the 16 Days of Activism of "No violence against women and children" campaign. The launch will be held at Freedom Park in Pretoria on 28 November 2008.

The 2008 campaign will revolve around the theme "Don't look away, act against abuse." The campaign which runs from 25 November to 10 December each year is an important international exercise to draw attention to the unacceptable high levels of violence against women and children.

There are important dates within the campaign period which include: 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Gender based Violence, 1 December, World AIDS Day, 3 December, International Day for People living with Disabilities, 10 December, International Human Rights Day. This year's event will combine all activities of the important dates mentioned above into one activity.

The campaign will focus on the victims at grassroots level as well as the perpetrators in the society at large. Within the broader scope of the departments, these victims will largely fall into the category of farm workers and dwellers, particularly their job and living conditions, which makes them fall amongst the poorest citizens in our country.

It is therefore imperative for the ministry to strengthen the campaign by building partnerships with other departments to spread the message. The minister in one of her speeches also emphasised the need to respect women and children all year round and not only within the specified duration.

The event will take place as follows:

Date: 28 November 2008
Time: 08h30 to 13h00
Venue: Freedom Park, Pretoria

For further information contact:
Priscilla Tsotso Sehoole
Tel: 012 319 7317
Fax: 012 319 7858
Cell: 083 265 8728
E-mail: cco@nda.agric.za

Issued by: Ministry of Agriculture and Land Affairs
27 November 2008