Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has called on men from all walks of life to join President Cyril Ramaphosa in signing the pledge to take a decisive stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
This comes after 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.
The pledge commits men to be allies and part of the solution by maintaining positive behaviour and attitudes, and to take responsibility for their actions.
The pledge also commits men to never raise a hand against a woman, to treat women as equals, respect the rights of women, and to treat women with dignity.
Letsike commended the President’s commitment to the pledge.
“We are [calling on] all men, in all... [their] diversity -- in townships, in our villages, in our dorpies, and in suburbs, to sign this pledge and play an active role in our fight against gender-based violence and femicide.
“We can agree that no woman, no child, no LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender or intersex), no person with disability, including men, deserves to die at the hands of other human beings, particularly men. We must end all kinds of violence in society, and [build] the safe, peaceful and secure communities that we deserve,” Letsike said.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that together, more can be done to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
“Your pledge is invaluable, and your impact will be felt by generations to come,” Letsike said.
The virtual pledge can be signed at https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/endGBVF. - SAnews.gov.za
