Chair, acts of gender-based violence violate a number of principles in a person's life, including the right to life, equality and security of the person; equal protection under the law; and freedom from torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatments. It is on the rise in the refugee camps, remote areas - everywhere; even in rural areas. Even those tasked with protecting and assisting, for example aid workers, are in some cases perpetrators of gender-based violence.
It is interesting to observe that the Domestic Violence Act places obligations on the SAPS to deal with domestic violence matters and yet fails to do the same in respect of courts, which have a more vital role to play in dealing with matters of violence. Gender-based violence has psychological, social, medical and legal implications.
In certain instances, it contributes to the erosion of the social and economic fabric of society as women and girls play an important role in the maintenance of local economies. All this can be prevented through broad- based programmes designed and implemented proactively with the full participation of all members of communities, especially those most vulnerable. Most often it is the work of local women's organisations that provide the most inspiring examples of efforts to combat gender-based violence.
South Africa has been hailed for its progressive Constitution that entrenches gender equality, and the number of women in Parliament has risen substantially since 1994, creating a formidable force for legislative change. Changing laws can be swift; changing the mind-set that often nullifies these impressive gains is another issue altogether.
In a country long sickened by frighteningly high levels of domestic violence, one of the greatest challenges facing South Africa is closing the gap between the rhetoric of gender equality and the reality on the ground.
The UCDP believes that a rocky road lies ahead and that although we cannot stop gender violence, we can start to minimise it by working together and making a difference in the lives of these battered women and children. I thank you. [Applause.]