Limpopo’s first lady, Mrs Ramakone Moloto, officiated at the proceedings to mark the 16 Days of Activism against the abuse of Women and Children campaign, hosted by the Mutale Municipality and the Mutale Victim Empowerment Programme (MVEP) at Thengwe Soccer ground last week.

For the past eight years, South Africa has been taking part in the global campaign of 16 days for activism for no violence against women and children.

Moloto said she was also part of the provincial launch because her aim is to see a community free from human abuse. "At the launch, we committed ourselves to stand united in voicing our disapproval of the continued persecution of our women and children till the campaign is closed by the President in Kimberly on 10 December. Prior to the launch, we held a conference and we resolved that we had to do whatever it takes to break the silence against the few in our society who continue to prey on the vulnerability of women and on the innocence of our children."

She urged community members to stand united and fight against abuse in all its forms. "The theme of this year correctly urges us not to look away, but to act against abuse where we see it happening. This year’s 16 days of activism campaign would perhaps be especially significant as it comes at a time when the province is battling with the tide of ritual killing and femicides which continue to harm women and children in particular. The people of Mutale would know better that it is mostly women and children who have fallen victim to ritual killings as a result of their perceived low status in society. The campaign must help us to highlight these challenges in our community."

She continued: "As we do our best to fight these challenges, we call upon everyone to support the campaign as we raise awareness and demonstrate support for our women and children. Over the years, we have had to contend with the fact that incidents of abuse continue to occur, in spite of the existence of a progressive constitutional and legislative framework that protects women while promoting human rights culture."

Mayor Lucas Manyuha said culture and tradition play a major role in the exploitation of women and children. "Culture and tradition are still used to justify the physical and emotional abuse of women and children. The challenge we have is to ensure that the campaign succeeds in breaking the silence against domestic violence and abuse, while at the same time not undermining the good that our culture and tradition can provide. We think that traditional and religious leaders can make a difference in this regard, by instilling change in people’s perceptions about customs and family values. Good moral values are keys in the fight against violence and abuse of both women and children. By embarking on this campaign today, all of us are clearly sending a message that women and children are worthy human beings who deserve to be valued and respected as equal members of society."