KwaZulu-Natal will soon have an army of champions who will promote gender equality and help reduce violence against women and children in the length and breadth of the province.

This is one of the provincial government’s interventions contained in a multi-faceted plan aimed at decisively dealing with the root causes of violence against women and children announced by KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr Sihle Zikalala today.

“We will from today start identifying champions who will be trained in promoting gender equality and reducing violence against women and children. Our focus is on changing attitudes and promoting positive behavioural change among men.
Th first step is to advocate for the positive socialisation of boys and men to respect women and to protect their dignity. This is fundamental in preventing the abuse of our daughters, sisters, and mothers.”

The provincial government’s plan is informed by the comprehensive national strategic plan and the emergency action plan announced by President Ramaphosa in the joint sitting of parliament on the 18th of September 2019.

At the heart of the KZN programme of action are concerted efforts to strengthen co-ordination between various government departments and other government agencies as well as to improve collaboration with stakeholders to combat the scourge of gender based violence, punish perpetrators, and support victims and survivors.

The Premier also encouraged victims of gender-based violence in KZN to make use of a 24hour call service which is managed by qualified social workers by calling 087 158 3000.

"A team of senior government officials has been formed to identify hotspots that pose a higher risk to young people getting physically harmed or harming those around them. These will include pubs, taverns, and nightclubs that are frequented by young people, often college and university students," the Premier said.

The KZN Liquor Authority will play an active role in monitoring the identified areas through more stringent regulations on trading hours and actively promoting anti gender based violence messages at liquor outlets.

The provincial government will also embark on a massive campaign to mobilise local communities to support victims and their families. This will occur in their homes, at police stations, and courts. This campaign will also monitor progress on cases, campaign against bail and parole for those charged with gender based crimes and demand harsher sentences for those found guilty of abusing women and children.

"Government is also of the view that poverty, lack of skills, unemployment and gender inequality increases the dependency of women on men and thus their vulnerability to abuse.
In order to turn around this unideal situation, we have to vigorously pursue our radical economic transformation programme, particularly as it relates to the emancipation of women and the youth.

In this regard, the provincial government targets 30% set asides for women, youth and SMME. Also, by 2024, 50 % of government spend on entrepreneurship will be given to women owned and led business," the Premier concluded.

ISSUED BY THE PREMIER’S OFFICE

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