Campaign to end violence against women and children kicks off

Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane will be hosting the opening ceremony at the Saulsville Arena in Atteridgeville.

The event will focus on addressing problems of domestic violence and a visit to a victim empowerment centre.

The international campaign takes place every year from 25 November - which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - to 10 December - which is International Human Rights Day. The period includes Universal Children's Day, International Day for Disabled Persons and World Aids Day.

High levels of child abuse

Although the global campaign focuses on violence against women only, South Africa added children to its campaign because of the high incidence of child abuse in the country.

The South African government runs the 16 Days of Activism Campaign to create public awareness of the negative impact of violence on women and children and to encourage collective action against all types of abuse and its prevention in our communities.

The campaign serves as a catalytic mechanism to support government outcomes on gender equality and the protection of children and other vulnerable groups.

It actively supports the priorities of government to empower women, in particular rural women grappling with the challenge of unemployment and poverty; and protects the rights of the child.

This year's campaign will be held under the theme: "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Proliferation of small arms and their role in domestic violence".