Anglican Communion News Service

Statement issued by Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndugane

25 November is the international day for the prevention of violence against women, The inter-religious commission on crime and violence in the Western Province, of which I am chairperson, is calling on all men and their sons to come out on a march to Parliament. The aim being to show solidarity with women. We want to show that: that men do care; real men don't rape; they don’t abuse women. We want to declare our city, our region, and our country, safe places for women. We want men, especially our sons, to respect women as human beings created in the image of God and having dignity and worth.

Cape Town is a haven for tourists and there is tremendous potential for investment in our region and our country. Our march is directed at instilling investor confidence, attracting visitors to the fairest Cape, as well as instilling confidence in women that we love and care for them. It is my hope and prayer that men and their sons, from all walks of life will come out in their tens of thousands as a demonstration of our commitment to the respect of the dignity of women.

The March

Date: 25 November 2000

Time 10:00

Route: Kaisergracht via Roland Street to Parliament

Petition to be handed to the Minister of Social Development Dr Zola Skweyiya.