Debate on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence and Child Abuse

Hon.Speaker, women, like men universally have fundamental rights, as follows:
1. Equality before the law
2. Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race and sex
3. Equality of opportunity in employment
4. Protection of certain rights regarding Freedom of speech as well as, of life and personal liberty and
5. Prohibition of human trafficking
Today, on behalf of the Minority Front I criticise the old guards for their complacency in many areas ; “DON’T LOOK AWAY” and if current parties want to retain influences in South Africa, then each must best stir itself to greater and more constructive women’s activities and inclusiveness.
As I read the recent articles on the 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women I drew a stark contrast amongst Youth and Women’s month and this November to mark the 16 Days of Activism. We have went from celebrating women to mourning women and the latter is growing.
What must we do? Do we have the political wisdom and capital to make the well-being
of our women the ultimate necessity?
As Hon.members, our male counterparts need to become champions of women’s rights, hence the 7 deadly sins of pride, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, avarice and sloth needs to change to seven virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance, the latter 4 are cardinal.
At this point Hon.members, we need to focus more on the safety of physically challenged women and children, with specific programmes and funding.
Hon. Speaker to really empower women, all political parties and the IEC needs to be serious about the 50/50 representation; the Legislatures need to be gender responsive in design and policies and the Women’s Caucus needs to have a permanent sub-committee: a Women’s Budget Committee.
The Minority Front, with these recommendations hopes for “silver linings to the dark clouds”.
Thank you.