Campaign shines light on abuse
23 November 2009, 23:49
The government on Monday launched its annual 16 Days of Activism campaign to raise awareness of violence against women and children.
"Violence against women and children is a gross violation of women's and children's rights," said Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Yunus Carrim.
In the past decade of the campaign, it had become clear that domestic violence significantly constrained development, he said.
"Worldwide, it is estimated that violence against women is as much a cause of death and incapacity among reproductive-age women as is cancer, and it is a more common cause of ill-health among women than, for example, traffic accidents or malaria."
Sexual abuse caused unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.
"Studies around the world have found that one woman in four is physically or sexually abused during pregnancy," said Carrim.
The 16 Days campaign takes place every year from November 25, the International Day of No Violence Against Women.
It runs until December 10, which is International Human Rights Day. - Sapa
"Violence against women and children is a gross violation of women's and children's rights," said Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Yunus Carrim.
In the past decade of the campaign, it had become clear that domestic violence significantly constrained development, he said.
"Worldwide, it is estimated that violence against women is as much a cause of death and incapacity among reproductive-age women as is cancer, and it is a more common cause of ill-health among women than, for example, traffic accidents or malaria."
Sexual abuse caused unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.
"Studies around the world have found that one woman in four is physically or sexually abused during pregnancy," said Carrim.
The 16 Days campaign takes place every year from November 25, the International Day of No Violence Against Women.
It runs until December 10, which is International Human Rights Day. - Sapa
