Cabinet has reiterated its call on South African men to join the initiative by President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) by signing the virtual pledge to take a decisive stand against the scourge.

President Ramaphosa launched the call to action by signing the pledge alongside men from all sectors of society in Pofadder, Northern Cape, during the 2024 Women’s Day celebration on 9 August.

READ | President speaks out on gender-based violence

Briefing media on the outcomes of the Cabinet Meeting in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said by signing the pledge, men commit to be part of the solution by maintaining positive behaviour and attitudes, and to take responsibility for their actions.

‘It also commits men to never raise a hand against a woman, to treat women as equals, respect their rights, and to treat them with dignity. Managing GBVF as a collective will result in healthier, safer and more peaceful communities in whi
ch women and children can thrive,’ Ntshavheni said.

The virtual pledge can be signed at www.stateofthenation.gov.za/endGBVF

Cabinet has also commended the opening of the 65th Centre at the Mitchells Plain Hospital in Cape Town earlier this week, to support victims of GBVF.

Ntshavheni said government’s establishment of the Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country is a response to the urgent need for prevention, response and support for victims of violence, especially women and children.

Concern over teenage pregnancies

Cabinet has further urged society and parents to help solve the challenge of adolescent pregnancies, by reporting anyone who engages in sex with a minor (a child under the age of 16) as it is a criminal offence.

This follows concern over the alarming statistics of adolescent pregnancies, where children as young as 10 years of age are prematurely becoming parents.

‘If the country does not work together to address this challenge of teenage pregnancies, women and young girls will continue
to be trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, lack of educational and economic prospects,’ Ntshavheni said.

Source: South African Government News Agency