Statement following a joint meeting of Government, civil society structures, NGOs, media and religious groups on "The men's march against violence on women and children"
Bishopcourt
30 July 2001
Representatives from various stakeholders including the Government, NGOs, Civil Society structures, the media and faith-based communities today committed themselves to starting a campaign to mobilise men into active involvement in promoting the dignity and rights of women and the fight against all forms of violence and abuse of women and children.
The meeting was hosted by Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane at Bishopscourt in Cape Town who said: "It is critical that men are mobilised, educated and become active partners in fighting violence against women, poverty and HIV/AIDS if we are to ensure that the rights of women are promoted and our democracy has meaning."
The meeting committed itself to focussing on the following areas: Participation in the National Gender Summit taking place in Johannesburg Metropolitan Centre, Braamfontein from the 5th to the 8th August 2001. Participation in various National Women’s Day (August 9) activities that will be taking place around the country.
Developing a campaign that will take place between August and December this year, the highlight of which will be the Men’s March in Cape Town on the 25th November 2001.
The meeting agreed that Archbishop Ndungane and Social Development Minister, Dr Zola Skweyiya would address the National Gender Summit and the media on the programme of mobilising men.
Task teams - including a stakeholder mobilisation task team, a media task team and an administration task team composed of representatives from Government, civil society structures and faith based organisations - were formed to co-ordinate various activities.
These task teams will, among other things, focus on mobilising big business, labour, education, civic movements, media, the international community and Government as well as communities at large.
A follow up meeting will be scheduled to take place in two weeks time.