Paul Mashatile to launch 16 days of Activism in the North West

Paul Mashatile to launch 16 days of Activism in the North West! Monday marks the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, an initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV) while promoting positive masculinity among men.

The campaign, which runs until December 10th, seeks to create awareness, inspire action, and foster a safer society for women and children.

Tackling a Crisis of Violence

This year’s campaign comes amid alarming statistics that highlight the urgent need for collective action. A recent study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council revealed that over seven million women in South Africa have experienced physical violence perpetrated by men at some point in their lives.

The staggering figures underscore the systemic nature of GBV in the country and the importance of sustained efforts to combat it.

The campaign aims to not only bring attention to these troubling realities but also to address their underlying causes. Efforts will focus on community-level interventions, education, and mobilizing resources to provide support for survivors while preventing future violence.

Government’s Role: A Call for Action

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to officially launch the government’s 16 Days of Activism campaign in Rustenburg, North West, on Monday. Speaking on the significance of this year’s theme, his spokesperson Linah Ledwaba emphasized its relevance in the digital age.

“This year’s activation will be held under the theme, ‘30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children,’” said Ledwaba. She added that the sub-theme, ‘Harnessing Technology and Innovation to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Accelerate a Gender-Inclusive Digital Economy,’ reflects a forward-looking approach to addressing GBV in the modern era.

By integrating technology and innovation, the government aims to develop tools that can empower women, provide digital resources for victims of abuse, and enhance reporting mechanisms for GBV cases.

Promoting Positive Masculinity

A critical focus of the campaign is fostering positive masculinity and engaging men in conversations about their roles in society. Advocates stress the need to shift societal norms that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and power dynamics.

Initiatives will include workshops, public dialogues, and media campaigns targeting men to promote empathy, respect, and accountability.

“Changing attitudes and behaviors is key to breaking the cycle of violence,” said a community leader participating in the campaign. “By involving men as allies, we can dismantle the toxic cultures that contribute to GBV.”

The Power of Collective Action

For 30 years, the 16 Days of Activism campaign has emphasized the importance of collective action. From grassroots organizations to national policy-makers, stakeholders are urged to collaborate and pool resources to create a society where women and children can live free from fear.

The campaign highlights the role of various sectors, including education, healthcare, and law enforcement, in combating GBV. Schools and universities are encouraged to incorporate gender-sensitivity training into their curricula, while police forces are being urged to improve the handling of GBV cases to ensure justice for survivors.

Harnessing Technology for Change

This year’s sub-theme highlights the role of technology in combating GBV. Digital platforms can provide vital tools for prevention and response. Examples include apps that allow victims to discreetly report abuse, online counseling services, and data-driven solutions to identify high-risk areas for targeted interventions.

However, technology also poses challenges, such as cyberbullying and online harassment, which disproportionately affect women and girls. Campaigners are calling for robust digital safety measures to protect users while leveraging technology as a force for good.

A Shared Responsibility

The 16 Days of Activism campaign is a reminder that the fight against GBV is a shared responsibility. From government and private sectors to individuals and families, everyone has a role to play in creating a safer, more equitable society.

By addressing the structural inequalities and cultural norms that fuel violence, South Africa can move closer to its goal of ending GBV.

As the campaign gains momentum over the next 16 days, the hope is that these efforts will inspire lasting change and set a foundation for a future free from violence.