Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3 min read
27 November 2022 | 2:45 pm CAT

South Africans are embarking on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign at a time when violence perpetrated against women and children escalates. Amnesty International says authorities must show that they take women and girls’ rights to safety, dignity and life seriously and stop paying lip service to this.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Amnesty International South Africa Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed highlighted more steps South Africans can take to protect women and children from the violence experienced daily.

According to Mohamed, ensuring a proper deterrence system is in place in the event of persons violating the rights of others as arrests have been made, due process has been followed however, and justice being served is, unfortunately, seen in South Africa.

“We do see a breakdown of a system that is not working for its people, she says.”

It is found in most cases of rape and murder of men, women, and our children do not even see the inside of a courtroom. Most perpetrators are not brought to book, and many victims’ families do not receive their right to justice.

She added, “The crime statistic in South Africa is on a constant rise while the justice system does not play its part as it should.”

Amnesty International encourages people to take power back into their hands. Mohamed explains that people should learn and know what the government has promised and when they have yet to deliver.

“People should be educated of when they are entitled hold the government to account,” she added.

The 26 days of activism campaign reminds people of how bad the situation is regarding violence against women, GBV and femicide. However, Mohamed stresses that the campaign will not solve the problem.

“People holding their government departments and officials accountable will assist in the combat against GBV,” she said.

Listen to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosaie and Shenilla Mohamed on Radio Islam’s podcast below.