Chairperson and colleagues, Cope believes that it is that time again when we unite as a nation for 16 days to condemn, curse and rebuke the devil of violence directed at women and children which continuously shows its ugly face in our society at large.
Domestic violence against women and children is one of the most brutal consequences of the economic, social, political and cultural inequalities that exist between sexes; yet, strong concerns voiced by development agencies and policy-makers have only emerged in relatively recent years. There is no mention of subjects in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Cedaw, apart from a brief reference to human trafficking.
In launching his new 2008 campaign "Unite to end violence against women", the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, observed that at least one out of every three women is likely to be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. This is very traumatic and scary, but it is the reality that both women and children live to suffer from each day.
Many young women in this country have experienced violence, abuse, rape and sexual harassment, and these are the worst affected, but it is even worse when it comes to the scourge of HIV/Aids, which hits them hard, again. Daily they carry the scars of their suffering, often in solitary silence and without adequate counselling and support. They later vanish into their own shadows for fear of being judged and discriminated against.
The question that we should all answer is: When will these 16 Days of Activism bear results to the extent that men realise the gift that God gave this universe by creating women? Another question that we must answer is whether or not our society has accepted the cries, groans and screams of helpless and hopeless children who get kidnapped from playing fields and become subjected to the brutality and cruelty that a man can demonstrate. This is indeed a serious indictment on all of us. Cope acknowledges that both government and the organs of civil society may have responded as they should to confront these degrading and humiliating conditions facing our children and women, so that together we can build a better future. But, a more humane and caring society still needs to be built. More definitely still needs to be done and this year's 16 Days of Activism should begin to show and showcase those that are going to bear the fruits.
I stand here today to challenge all South African men to respect the dignity of women; to pay their dues in maintenance and other aspects; to let every man stop abusing a woman or a child.
Elabadala lithi, "Utata ngumakhi wesizwe, umama yintyatyambo yelizwe, umntwana yinkokheli yelizwe langomso". [The elders say, "A father is a nation-builder, a mother is a flower of the nation and a child is a future leader of the nation."]
Let us all stop the stereotypes and chauvinistic attitudes and let us build one society. [Applause.]