Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 26-11-2018

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

As the country marks the beginning for 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, a Child Rights and Child Protection consultants says its concerning that politicians use the campaign to promote themselves or their party.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the campaign and this theme this year is #HearMeToo.

Minister responsible for Women Bathabile Dlamini launched the campaign in Melmoth in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.

The campaign is part of a global programme advocating against violence against women and children.

Child Rights and Child Protection consultant, Joan van Niekerk says what happens during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign needs to be reprioritised.

“A lot of money is spent on the 16 days activities of politicians, but very little money is spent on services and service providers, so that when women and children report, they often report into a vacuum of services.”

Van Niekerk says if there are no adequate services, women and children may be vulnerable to further abuse and neglect.