Madam Deputy Speaker, the campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children is a very important period on our events calendar. It proves that we are united with the rest of the world.
Geweld teen vroue en kinders moet tot 'n einde kom. Die OD wil beklemtoon dat di soort geweld in werklikheid 'n skending van menseregte is. Die demonstrasie ter ondersteuning van vroue in die wreld is nie genoeg nie, maar ongelukkig is dit die enigste tyd van die jaar wat aan di saak gewy word. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Violence against women and children has to end. The ID would like to emphasise that this kind of violence is in fact a violation of human rights. The demonstration in support of women the world over is not enough, but unfortunately this is the only time of the year dedicated to this cause.]
Violence against women is not only common but often fatal. It is an extreme manifestation of gender inequality and human rights violation. It is not a South African problem or shortcoming; it is, in fact, a global problem.
Die uitskakeling van alle vorme van geweld teen vroue en kinders moet nie 'n jaarlikse demonstrasie wees nie; dit behoort 'n prioriteit van hierdie regering te wees, omdat 'n groot aantal vroue in die Suid-Afrikaanse nasionale Parlement verteenwoordig word. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[The elimination of all forms of violence against women and children should not be an annual campaign; it ought to be a priority for this government, because a large number of women are represented in the national Parliament of South Africa.]
The ID strongly believes that a strategic way to prevent violence is to introduce and enforce laws that protect women. In doing so, there must be no room for tolerance of acts of violence against women and children. I thank you. [Applause.]