Photo: Radio Okapi

File photo: The Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign that runs annually from 25 November to 10 December is this year running under the banner "from peace in the home to peace in the world: Let's challenge militarism and end violence against women."

The IFP Women's Brigade has called upon upstanding members of society to continue the fight to curb violence against women and children in our country.

IFP Women's Brigade Chairperson, Mrs Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa said, "Many cases of rape involving women and young children have been reported since the beginning of this year. Due to this we are challenged to become ambassadors of the message of no violence and protection of the very vulnerable in our communities. We want to carry out a door to door campaign to encourage people to stand up against any violence aimed at women and children."

The IFPWB also calls upon government to assist the widows and children of the mineworkers that were killed during the Marikana mine strike action.

"Women who find themselves without any means of support are vulnerable; can fall prey to violent partners in their quest to provide for themselves and their children. With government's help, these widows can be put in a position to look after themselves better," said KaMadlopha-Mthethwa.

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa added, "As the IFP Women's Brigade we will try to provide bursaries to those children who became orphans due to the ongoing political violence in KwaMashu hostel. Through our actions we hope to encourage more people to help those women and children who are vulnerable and help them speak out against any injustice they may experience."

The IFPWB would like to encourage men in our society to take up an active role not only in the prevention of violence against women and children abuse, but also speak to other men to protect our women and children.