Chairperson, the MF notes that violence against women and children is a common phenomenon in South Africa. The campaign is indeed very important, to inculcate a culture of awareness amongst South Africans, as violence manifests itself for South African society and delivers a negative impact on vulnerable groups.
As legal experts believe that the law is one-sided, it is a necessary form of social mobilisation because levels of violence across the world have become unacceptably high. Violence perpetuated against women and girls is so widespread that it constitutes a global epidemic in its own right.
The MF sadly notes that one in every five women have experienced physical violence, and that every six hours a woman is killed by her intimate partner. Victimisation indicates that children are still four times more likely to be victims of violent crimes than adults. The murder of a seven- year-old girl near Sir Lowry's Pass village on 24 October 2009 was another indictment of the situation regarding children's rights. The rights of women and children are fundamental human rights enshrined in and protected by the Constitution.
Mahatma Gandhi once said that if we have to teach real peace in this world and carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children. The MF makes this call, not only to government, but to all citizens of South Africa, to play their part in eliminating the scourge of violence. We will and can build a caring and peaceful society that protects women and children from all forms of abuse.
The MF challenges perpetrators of these offences to change their barbaric behaviours. Let us all engage actively with men and boys in the discourse of combating violence in our homes, communities and in the workplace. Finally, happiness is when what you think, say and do is in harmony. I thank you. [Applause.]