Sonke Gender Justice

News Category: Press Releases

  • Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Namibia

    MenEngage Namibia, as a national network of organisations working with men and boys to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) – which is part of the global MenEngage Network – is expressing its support and solidarity with recent protests against SGBV in Namibia.

    We are very concerned about the rising number of SGBV cases, affecting children, women and men of all ages, and we welcome the Namibian government’s recent response in this regard. In addition, we see the strong need for consistency and inclusivity in Government’s response and for stakeholders across all sectors to also address underlying root causes.

    Some of these underlying root causes are patriarchal traditions, harmful gender norms, unresolved individual and collective trauma, as well as violence as an automated and learned response to conflict. The latter became clearly visible in how uniformed forces responded with excessive force against loud and angry, but overall peaceful protesters.

    We also call for the Namibian Government to be inclusive and consistent in its response to SGBV, and we are appalled to hear that Namibia intends to not renew its signature to the East and Southern Africa Ministerial Commitment on Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE), which would reverse previous successes made in preventing SBGV.

    Given Namibia’s identity as secular state, it is of utmost importance that our religious and cultural norms do not obstruct the local and international commitments we have made to ensure the rights and well-being of our Namibian adolescents and youth.

    Meaningfully engaging young people in open and inclusive ways on issues of sexuality, consent and healthy relationship through CSE is a proven way of preventing SGBV all over the world and also in Namibia. This has been established and reaffirmed through the work done by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the Office of the First Lady of Namibia and a growing number of Namibian Civil Society Organisations that are active in this field.

    It is abundantly clear that we will not be able to overcome the challenge of sexual and gender-based violence by responding with violence or exclusion in return. Instead, we have to provide every Namibian with sufficient knowledge, skills and resources to support victims and to deal with perpetrators in appropriate manners to end the harmful and dangerous cycle of violence in our country.

    Hence, for the health and well-being of all Namibians, we demand the following:

    1. In addition to actions already outlined in the Namibian Government’s response, we urge Namibia to immediately recommit to its international agreements around CSE, because it effectively addresses and prevents SGBV in Namibia;
    2. Secondly, we ask for the Namibian Police and other uniformed forces to receive comprehensive training in de-escalation of conflict situations and in approaching SGBV-related situations and cases effectively, sensitively and empathically.
    3. Lastly, substantially more resources must be allocated for the provision of psychosocial support services and in developing capacity in terms of training and studies in the field of social work, psychology and other relevant health professions.

    As Namibians, it is crucial that we deliberately include marginalized communities and individuals in our collective efforts to prevent and respond to SGBV in all its forms. In this regard, MenEngage Namibia will continue playing a strong role in advocating for and supporting the implementation of inclusive activities against SGBV.

    For more information, please contact:

    • Mr. Salatiel Shinedima – MenEngage Namibia, Chairperson
      Email: salatiel@wad.org.na & Cell: 081 717 20 54
    • Ms. Linda Baumann – MenEngage Namibia, Steering Committee Member
      Email: lbaumann82@gmail.com & Cell: 081 252 82 59
    • Mr. Ben Schernick – MenEngage Namibia, Steering Committee Member
      Email: ben@ccchange.net & Cell: 081 229 48 03

  • Sonke welcomes the ANC’s decision to suspend former MEC and current ANC Provincial Executive Committee member accused of raping his daughters

    On Monday, September 28, 2020 disturbing reports surfaced regarding minors who were raped, allegedly by their own father who currently serves as ANC Mpumalanga PEC member.

    The accused appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 28, 2020 and the matter was postponed to 1 October for a formal bail application.

    Sonke notes with great concern that this is not the first time the accused has been accused of rape. A few years ago, he was charged with raping a woman, and the charges were subsequently withdrawn due to a lack of evidence against the accused.

    Unfortunately, it had to be another tragedy that highlights once more the importance of a functioning criminal justice system that ensures that victims of gender-based violence are able to access justice and perpetrators are brought to book.

    While Sonke welcomes the ANC’s decision to suspend the accused given the gravity of the charges he faces. The ruling party needs to demonstrate that it is on the side of survivors of abuse and that no official in their ranks will be shielded from the consequences of their actions.

    In a country that continues to grapple with GBV against womxn and children on a day-to- day basis, it is important that perpetrators of these crimes are brought to book without fear or favour.

    There have been instances of several politicians that have been caught on the wrong side of the law on these issues who have escaped accountability both within their respective parties and the legal system at large, this needs to change.

    On the matter of the accused, it is now up to our state institutions to demonstrate that they do not favor powerful or connected men. The accused cannot evade justice again. The lives of womxn and girls deserve better.

    For more information, please contact:

    1. Given Sigauqwe, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, 073 988 2870 or given@genderjustice.org.za

  • KEMEA welcomes advisory by Kenya Chief Justice to dissolve Parliament over non-implementation of two-thirds gender rule

    Kenya MenEngage Alliance (KEMEA) supports the Chief Justice of Kenya, David Kenayi Maraga, in his advisory to the country’s president Uhuru Kenyatta, to dissolve Parliament for failure to implement the two-thirds gender rule principle which is enshrined in the Constitution.

    Article 27(8) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides that the State takes steps to ensure that no more than two-thirds of members of all elective and appointive positions are not of the same gender. Ten years after the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, there is yet to be enactment of specific legislation to operationalise this constitutional provision on gender equality.

    “The Kenyan Constitution provides that ‘If Parliament fails to enact legislation in accordance with an order under Clause 6(b), the Chief Justice shall advise the President to dissolve Parliament and the President shall dissolve Parliament’.

    “It is in this regard that Kenya MenEngage Alliance supports the Chief Justice advisory to the President dated 21st September 2020 that the President should dissolve Parliament in accordance with Article 261(7) of the Constitution because this represents the will of the Kenyan people,” says Job Akuno, National Co-Ordinator of KEMEA.

    It is concerning that 10 years after the promulgation of Kenya’s new Constitution and after four court orders compelling Parliament to enact the legislation required to implement the two-thirds gender rule as per the Constitutional dictate, Parliament has failed to do so and has sought to avoid to obey the Constitution.

    “Continued stalling of implementing the two-thirds gender rule principle is an indication that Kenya views women as second-class citizens and is not prepared to view women as equal participants in political and administrative office and activities – and this is disappointing and regressive. We call on the political class that is to date largely dominated by men in Kenya to support the initiative of equal gender representation in politics so that women can equally enjoy the fruits of the Constitution. This demands that we have affirmative action to translate into reality what the Constitution demands. We appeal to our President to do the right thing and heed the advisory of the Chief Justice and dissolve Parliament to ensure full and unfettered women’s participation in politics”, adds Elias Muindi, Programme Officer for Kenya MenEngage Alliance.

    For more information or interviews contact:

    1. Job Akuno, National Co-Ordinator, Kenya MenEngage Alliance
      Email: jobakuno@gmail.com Phone: +254723850599
    2. Elias Muindi, Programme Officer, Kenya MenEngage Alliance
      Email: elias.muindi82@gmail.com Phone: +254 721 825 751

    About Kenya MenEngage Alliance

    Kenya MenEngage Aliance is part of 22 networks of MenEngage Africa Alliance, a member of the Global MenEngage Alliance of non-governmental organisations and United Nations (UN) agencies established in 2006 with the aim of engaging men and boys to achieve gender equality, prevent HIV and AIDS; promote human rights and reduce violence at all levels across the continent of Africa, and question structural barriers to gender inequalities.

  • Sonke welcomes the judgment by the Grahamstown High court that has granted Yolanda Dyantyi leave to appeal in her case against Rhodes University.

    Ms Dyantyi was expelled from university for life by Rhodes University for her role in a protest against gender-based violence and rape on campus. Her transcripts were marked ‘’Unsatisfactory Conduct: Student found guilty of assault, kidnapping, insubordination and defamation’’.

    Ms Dyantyi was in her final year and would have been the first person in her family to earn a university degree. The terms of her expulsion have made it practically impossible for her to enroll in any other higher education institution for the foreseeable future.

    In April 2016, Ms Dyantyi and other students participated in the #RUReferenceList, a week-long protest against rape culture at Rhodes University. The spontaneous protest took place after a list was published on Facebook containing the names of 11 current and former male students accused of sexual assault or violence against womxn at Rhodes University.

    One of the demands of the protest was for the university to amend its rape policy and for the definition of rape to be redefined, to be more inclusive and broader, and in line with South African laws and our Constitution. Almost a year after the protest, Rhodes University charged Ms. Dyantyi in March 2017.

    The disciplinary inquiry sat between June and October 2017, however, the university’s appointed Proctor postponed the portion of the inquiry pertaining to Ms. Dyantyi’s case to a date on which her legal representatives were unable to attend, making it impossible for Ms. Dyantyi to present her case or to continue participating in the proceedings.

    Ms. Dyantyi was ultimately convicted and sanctioned in her absence. After finding her guilty, the university denied Ms Dyantyi the right to the internal review made available in terms of the university’s disciplinary rules.

    Ms. Dyantyi has sought to challenge her expulsion on the basis that she had an unfair hearing. On December 4, 2019, Dyantyi headed to court to challenge her expulsion from Rhodes University as a result of her participation in a protest. The matter was dismissed with a cost order against Ms Dyantyi.

    On September 7, 2020, Dyantyi and her legal team from the Socio-Economic Rights Institute appealed this decision at the Grahamstown High Court.

    South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, and that number is possibly higher since South Africa is known for its high numbers of underreporting of gender-based violence or sexual assault.

    It is a travesty that Rhodes, in this context has decided to disregard the frustration of womxn whose dignity have been violated but further perpetuate institutional secondary victimisation and silencing of gender-based violence, rape victims and survivors, and anti-GBV and rape activists.

    Sonke stands with Ms Dyantyi and condemns the institutional secondary victimisation and silencing of gender-based violence and rape victims and survivors, and anti-GBV and rape activists. Ms Dyantyi must be afforded a fair process in presenting her case against the charges against her.

    For more information, please contact:

    • Seadimo Tlale, PDA Fellow, 0659109433 or seadimo@genderjustice.org.za
    • Given Sigauqwe, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, 0739882870 or given@genderjustice.org.za

  • MenEngage Liberia condemns all forms of sexual abuse

    In the face of the Coronavirus pandemic, Liberia is witnessing another scourge – increased gender-based violence, particularly rape-related cases. The current wave of cases involving rape is, indeed, worrying as the country is grappling to ensure that all of its citizens – men, women and children – are safe from Covid-19.

    According to a FrontPage Africa newspaper publication dated July 13, 2020, a review of the Ministry of Justice’s Bureau of Corrections’ statistics for the months of January to July 2020 shows that more than 600 cases of aggravated assault, sodomy with criminal intent and rape were reported and are currently being investigated. There have been a total of 450 incidents of statutory rape, 100 cases of rape, 55 cases of gang-related rape and 10 cases involving sodomy.

    The alleged perpetrators of these rape cases include law enforcement officers, men of God, teachers and guidance counselors.

    The attention of MenEngage Liberia is drawn to the case in the Logan Town Community, which involves a pastor who was arrested by the Liberia National Police on June 17 for alleged rape.

    We are concerned about the case involving a 36 year-old man who pleaded for forgiveness after being accused of raping his 15-year old step-daughter.

    We are concerned about a 33 year-old man who was arrested for allegedly raping a 15-year old girl in the Neezoe Community.

    We are troubled by the case involving a 29 year-old man who allegedly raped twin girls aged 2-years-10-months.

    We are also troubled by the case involving an officer of the Liberia National Police who allegedly raped a 15-year old girl in the King Gray Community.

    All of the above cases, including many which we don’t mention here are of concern to us – and, as a society, we must all be outraged by them and act to condemn them accordingly.

    Who enforces the law if law enforcement officers are involved in such acts? Who prays for and counsels the rape survivors if men of God also commit such acts?

    MenEngage Liberia strongly believes that these actions by men are not only wicked, cruel, and malicious, but they are devilish and an abomination and a disgrace to all Liberian men, including authorities at different levels, individuals and communities who are doing little or nothing to curtail such ugly acts.

    MenEngage Liberia, therefore, condemns in the strongest terms all forms of violence, including rape against women and children – both girls and boys. Rape should not – and cannot – be tolerated in our society.

    MenEngage Liberia is deeply concerned about the psychological trauma as well as the physical and emotional pains the actions of abusive men have on their targets.

    As a call to action, MenEngage Liberia joins the Lutheran Church of Liberia in making demands for action as follows:

    • We call on all Liberian men to join the Thursdays in Black Champaign by wearing a black shirt or suit on every Thursday as a way of raising our voices and standing up to rape and all forms of violence against women.
    • We call on all Liberian men to do everything in their power to help create an environment in which our sisters, daughters, every woman, girls and boys will feel safe to live as children who can trust men as uncles, brothers, fathers, friends, and so on.
    • We join UN Women and other partners to call for stronger laws against rape. Furthermore, we call on the National Legislature not to pass any law that will make rape a bailable offence in Liberia, but to drive legislations that will influence social and traditional norms as well as women’s empowerment.
    • We acknowledge that the government is working with international partners to address the concerns raised in this media statement according to a recent Justice Ministry release. However, we want to bring to the attention of the government that some of these international partners, including Amnesty International have reported that rape victims do not achieve justice due to multiple challenges, some of which include institutional weaknesses, corruption, lack of due diligence by government as well as logistical and financial constraints. “These combined factors have led to a widespread culture of impunity for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly for rape, putting women and children at continued serious risk of sexual violence.” We, therefore, call on the government of Liberia through the Ministry of Justice to address the low hanging fruits that will help bring perpetrators to book and give justice to survivors in a timely manner. We call on the Liberian government to strengthen and promote psychosocial support to rape and survivors of other forms of gender-based violence in the country.
    • We call on all religious institutions across the country to avail their platforms for the promotion of anti-rape and SGBV messages during regular worship hours and at other religious functions. We call on all Bishops, the Liberia Council of Churches, the National Muslim Council of Liberia and the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia to help lead this process.
    • We call on the Ministry of Health to ensure that the identities of rape survivors are protected at all times to avoid social stigma and discrimination.
    • We call on all key stakeholders to begin naming and shaming alleged perpetrators of rape.

    For more information or interviews contact:

    About MenEngage Liberia

    MenEngage Liberia is part of 22 networks of MenEngage Africa Alliance, a member of the Global MenEngage Alliance of non-governmental organizations and United Nations (UN) agencies established in 2006 with the aim of engaging men and boys to achieve gender equality, prevent HIV and AIDS; promote human rights and reduce violence at all levels across the continent of Africa, and question structural barriers to gender inequalities.

  • Call for action: SADC leaders and South African government to condemn human rights abuses in Zimbabwe

    The SADC community and civil society has with dismay and concern observed obscene police and military brutality and impunity meted against citizens, activists and journalists in Zimbabwe in the last weeks.

    The Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA), Sonke Gender Justice, Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and SECTION 27, joins other civil society organisations in calling for an end to gross human rights violations, excessive use of force by the police and military and the arbitrary arrests of human rights defenders and peaceful protesters in Zimbabwe.

    This brutal and unmerited crackdown was the result of protest actions widely supported by Zimbabwean nationals, activists and journalists reacting to the deficient response by the Zimbabwean government to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been embroiled in alleged corruption, in the context of a historical socio-economic crisis in the country.

    South Africa and the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) continued silence in the ongoing human rights violations in Zimbabwe sends a message of complacency and exoneration to the Zimbabwean government.

    As the world and SADC region is grappling with the continued and increasing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the worsened livelihoods and vulnerability of millions in the region. The time is now for SADC States and their leaders to cooperate and hold each other accountable in ensuring that this pandemic does not further cripple the economies and democracies of the region let alone putting ordinary citizens’ lives in danger that can lead to loss of lives.

    As group of civil society organisations in South Africa we are calling on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to act swiftly and publicly condemn the human rights violations and arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters occurring in Zimbabwe.

    As torture, one of the most heinous human rights abuses, becomes a reality for Zimbabwean nationals, we are calling on the South Africa Office of the Presidency to intervene in fulfilling their mandate to investigate and prosecute international crimes.

    Lastly, as the current Chair of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa is positioned strongly to ensure accountability and condemn continued human rights abuses occurring in Zimbabwe. We are calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a leading voice in speaking out against these ongoing atrocities.

    For comment or more information please contact:

    1. Thifulufheli Sinthumule (CoRMSA) thifulufheli@cormsa.org.za, +27713580059
    2. Kayan Leung (Sonke) kayan@genderjustice.org.za
    3. Sharon S Ekambaram (LHR) sharone@lhr.org.za

  • Sonke condemns in the strongest possible terms the threats made by African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament (MP), Boy Mamabolo against a Sunday World journalist

    Last week, African Nation Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament (MP), Boy Mamabolo threatened to shoot Sunday World reporter, Ngwako Malatji after the journalist investigated an incident involving the MP.

    Sonke is disgusted by the threats made Mr. Mamabolo and the precedence they set. Especially with the recent crime statistics indicating that there was an increase in violent crime, including murders between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020.

    A few months ago, Mr. Mamabolo who is a public representative was at the centre of a disturbing display of toxic masculinity in parliament that included the shocking politicisation of gender-based violence (GBV). Mr. Mamabolo has once again displayed unparliamentary behavior and conduct that demonstrates poor leadership qualities.

    Mr. Mamabolo’s reckless utterances are unacceptable and mock key principles of our constitution that make detailed provisions with regard to freedom of expression which includes freedom of the press and other media.

    Sonke understands that Malatji has since opened a case of intimidation against Mr. Mamabolo. Sonke therefore urges the South African Police Service (SAPS) to take the threats against Mr. Malatji and media freedom in South Africa seriously.

    We hope and trust that the police will move with similar speed as was indicated recently on cases that involved members of the ruling elite.

    Sonke notes that the ANC has rightly condemned Mamabolo’s actions and announced that Mr. Mamabolo would be subjected to the party’s internal disciplinary processes.

    It would help rebuild the public confidence in the proposed processes if Mr. Mamabolo would be suspended from all duties pending the disciplinary action.

    Sonke is calling on the ANC as the ruling party to lead by example and follow through with Mr. Mamabolo’s disciplinary process speedily.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    1. Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, 0825784479 or Bafana@genderjustice.org.za.
    2. Given Sigauqwe, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, 0739882870 or Given@genderjustice.org.za.

  • Judgement in Josina Machel domestic violence matter retrogressive and sets bad precedent

    Sonke Menengage Logos

    MenEngage Africa (MEA) and Sonke Gender Justice (Sonke) are disappointed and concerned with Mozambique’s Higher Appeals Court’s decision to overturn the conviction of Rufino Licuco in an appeal case against the Maputo City Court ruling which found him guilty of domestic violence against Josina Machel.

    In 2017, businessman Rufino Licuco was found guilty of beating Josina Machel, daughter of Mozambique’s first president, Samora Machel to the point that she lost sight in her right eye. Licuco was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, which was suspended for five years on condition he pays her about 200 million meticais (R66-million). He instead took the case to the Appeals Court which last week overturned the conviction on the basis that there were no witnesses and, therefore, no proof Machel was assaulted.

    This was despite the irrefutable evidence by experts that showed that indeed Machel had been a victim of violence which led to the loss of sight in one of her eyes and the confession message that Rufico Licuco subsequently sent to Josina Machel asking for forgiveness.

    The latest ruling also disregarded the fact that it was common cause that when the domestic violence incident occurred, there was no other person other than Machel and Licuco. Abusive men often assault their victims behind closed doors – away from witnesses – as much as it is also common to act out their abuse in public spaces.

    For an Appeals Court to dismiss the case on the basis that there were no witnesses despite all other forms of evidence presented before it which corroborated Josina Machel’s story is extremely problematic as it seems to imply that domestic violence will only be recognised if it happens where there are witnesses. Such an expectation is not only frivolous and ridiculous but also very retrogressive and gives room for impunity for those who perpetrate domestic violence as it gives the impression that abusive men can do whatever they want to their partners (often women) as long as no one else sees them.

    The decision by Mozambique’s Higher Appeals Court not only flies in the face of justice, but is a threat to the progress made in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and it also sends a wrong message of impunity to would be offenders. GBV is a global pandemic, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) stating that lifetime prevalence of physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner is 36.6% among African women.

    This judgement is also a clear demonstration of the systematic and institutional entrenchment of patriarchy within the justice system. It would appear to have been much easier for the male judges at the Appeals Court to turn a blind eye to the insurmountable evidence presented before them by Machel’s team than convict another man for a crime that he should be rightfully paying for.

    Considering that this miscarriage of justice happened to someone of a high social standing in society like Josina Machel, it can only be a glimpse of what ordinary women in society with little or no means to fight for justice go through.

    Further, this being a decision from a higher court, it does not only negatively affect Josina Machel but stands to impact on all Mozambican women and girls facing threat from abusive husbands and boyfriends as a negative precedent stands to be set by this judgement.

    MEA and Sonke call on the justice system in Mozambique to take GBV and domestic violence seriously and to also afford victims of such violence the justice they deserve. Failure to do so is a serious miscarriage of justice which should have no place in our societies, particularly if there is any commitment to attain sustainable development.

    Mozambique ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on Women in Africa, also known as the Maputo Protocol, which among other things mandate member states to take necessary measures to combat discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures.

    The justice system in Mozambique, therefore, needs to be seen to be just in the fight against violence and discrimination of women through the way it tackles cases such as those of a domestic and gender-based violence nature. It needs to send a clear message that such violence cannot be accommodated or tolerated in society.

    We commend the Machel family for remaining resolute in seeking justice. We commit to continue supporting Josina Machel and others who are dealt unjustly by the criminal justice system. We will join with other civil society organisations to continue calling for justice in this case. The ruling must be challenged – and toxic masculinities must be held accountable.

    For media queries and interviews contact:

    1. Mpiwa Mangwiro: Campaigns & Advocacy Specialist, MenEngage Africa – Email: mpiwa@genderjustice.org.za, Cell: +27-82-480-2223
    2. Bafana Khumalo: Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice – Email: bafana@genderjustice.org.za, Cell: +27-82-578-4479

  • Sonke Gender Justice applauds Lithapho star Lorraine Moropa for speaking out against on set sexual harassment

    Last week, Lorraine Moropa took to social media and opened up about being sexually harassed by “a male senior actor” on the set of the SABC 2 telenovela, Lithapho.

    Sonke is concerned by the pervasiveness of sexual harassment in the media industry not only in South Africa but the world over. The prevalence remains largely due to the power dynamics and power relations within the industry and for this reason, Sonke would like to applaud Ms Moropa for courageously speaking out against an industry that has unevenly,unfairly and arbitrarily stacked the odds against her simply because she is a womxn.

    We are, however, pleased that Quizzical Pictures has since released a statement announcing the release of Mangaliso Ngema from Lithapho – a decision that Sonke welcomes. This level of decisiveness is encouraging and exemplary as we grapple with the scourge of violence against womxn.

    This is why Sonke is also calling on other production houses to not turn a blind-eye and act with the same level of decisiveness. There have been a plethora of women who have been blacklisted by the industry for speaking out on sexual harassment, this pattern cannot remain the norm.

    The media industry seems to operate in a vacuum that it is devoid of clear standards of how to deal with the scourge of sexual harassment and sexual abuse. This is sharply highlighted by Ms Maropa’s reference to Ngema as a “senior male actor” in her statement. Ideally, in an industry that is for womxn, womxn should be able to name and shame their abusers without fear of any form of retribution.

    The media industry’s role in society is not solely to entertain, but to educate. It is therefore disingenuous for production houses to have sexual harassment, sexual abuse, gender-based violence storylines when they do not show any ability to deal with these very same issues on set.

    We call on the industry to establish clear standard operating procedures on how sexual harassment and abuse should be dealt with in the industry to show commitment to ensure accountability.

    Ms Moropa – WE STAND WITH YOU, WE BELIEVE YOU, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

    We hope your courage will encourage more womxn in the industry to come forward and speak out.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    1. Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, 0825784479 or Bafana@genderjustice.org.za.
    2. Given Sigauqwe, Communications & Strategic Information Unit Manager, 0739882870 or Given@genderjustice.org.za.

  • MenEngage Swaziland condemns cop’s murder of wife and her lover

    As the world and the country is affected by COVID-19, a new norm has been established resulting in the lockdown of countries, including Eswatini, and life as we know it has altered and is nearing a stand-still. In such situations it is not surprising, albeit unfortunate, that people seem to buckle under the pressure created by the pandemic and as such, men seem to be increasingly perpetuating and continually committing acts of violence.

    The MenEngage Network – Eswatini is disturbed by the recent gruesome murders by a police officer who shot dead his wife and the suspected lover. This is one more case added to the numerous femicide cases that have been witnessed across the country in previous months.

    The Network is greatly concerned that the crime was admittedly committed by a Law Enforcement Agent who is supposed to protect the public, but instead decided to take the law into his own hands. Furthermore, a man has come forward to donate and raise funds towards the perpetrator’s bail. It is clear that we are living in a society that accepts violence by men. We are living in a society with men who hold a sense of entitlement over women’s bodies. There is a need to thoroughly investigate the motive for the blatant support for such a criminal offence.

    As a network that is committed to re-socialising men and boys, we are calling upon all men and boys to desist from engaging in and supporting any acts of violence; and to report any violence witnessed at any level. Those who are having relational / marital problems should seek help before things get out of hand.

    As MenEngage Swaziland Network, we remain vigilant in the call for justice; as a country, we have a duty to preserve the life of every citizen regardless of gender, age, race, religion or social status.

    We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and would like to encourage surviving family members to seek psychosocial support from various institutions to ensure full recovery from this traumatic experience.

    #MayJusticeBeSeen

  • MenEngage Botswana welcomes suspension of MP following allegations of defiling a minor

    Menengage Botswana

    MenEngage Botswana welcomes the decision by the Botswana Democratic Party to suspend the Member of Parliament for Nata-Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga, following allegations of defilement of a minor. It is our belief that not only will the suspension assist in the investigation of the case, it also shows zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation.

    We hope that justice will be served for the victim and that law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders will ensure the protection of the victim and her family from intimidation during the proceedings of the investigation in the case. Most importantly, we encourage that the case is tried in a child-friendly court to protect and promote the dignity of the victim.

    For more details, please contact:

    Desmond Lunga, Team Leader: Men and Boys for Gender Equality at +267 75 306 777 or at desmondlunga@gmail.com.

    About MenEngage Botswana

    MenEngage Botswana is a member of MenEngage Africa Alliance (MEA), which consists of 22 country networks spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa, with over 300 non-governmental organisations at grass-root, national and regional levels that seek to engage men and boys to achieve gender equality. The Botswana MenEngage Netwok has over 20 members across the country.

    Across the continent, MEA members work collectively toward advancing gender justice, human rights and social justice in key thematic areas including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) & HIV prevention, Child Rights and Positive Parenting and in promoting peace on the continent. Members implement joint advocacy programmes at national level with their governments, regional level with Regional Economic Communities (RECS) and at international levels at various platforms on the MEA thematic areas.

  • MenEngage Botswana concerned about allegations of statutory rape by MP

    Menengage Botswana

    MenEngage Botswana is greatly disappointed by reports on the alleged defilement of a minor by Member of Parliament for Nata-Gweta constituency by Mr Polson Majaga. The welfare of children remains threatened due to actions such as defilement which sometimes go unreported or are ignored when high ranking officials are implicated. We wish to caution that this sets a bad precedence and portrays Botswana as a nation that is not invested in protecting children as a vulnerable group.

    We note with concern that there still remains a big gap in addressing issues of child abuse and holding perpetrators accountable. Cases of defilement were reported to be on the rise during the lock down period and we expect all community leaders to come out to condemn such acts – not to be implicated in them. We understand that for the family of the victim, this is a challenging time and that it was not entirely easy to report this matter.

    We applaud them and in showing our support, we call for the following:

    • For Mr Polson Majaga to step down from his Member of Parliament position and allow for investigations to be carried out as diligently as possible.
    • For the law enforcement agencies to treat the case (and all cases of defilement of minors) as a matter of urgency and priority to ensure that the victim gets justice and closure.
    • For the victim and the family to be given psycho-social support to allow them to cope with the situation.

    We stand in solidarity with other members of civil society who have issued strong-worded statements on this matter and commit to ensuring justice is achieved. We wish to reiterate that inter-generational sex is never warranted or justifiable; as societies and organisations let us all endeavour to make environments safe for children.

    For more details, please contact:

    Desmond Lunga, Team Leader; Men and Boys for Gender Equality at +267 75 306 777 or at desmondlunga@gmail.com.

    About MenEngage Botswana

    MenEngage Botswana is a member of MenEngage Africa Alliance (MEA), which consists of 22 country networks spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa, with over 300 non-governmental organisations at grass-root, national and regional levels that seek to engage men and boys to achieve gender equality. The Botswana MenEngage network has over 20 members across the country.

    Across the continent, MEA members work collectively toward advancing gender justice, human rights and social justice in key thematic areas including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) & HIV prevention, Child Rights and Positive Parenting and in promoting peace on the continent. Members implement joint advocacy programmes at national level with their governments, regional level with Regional Economic Communities (RECS) and at international levels at various platforms on the MEA thematic areas.

  • Stay home and #SPEAKOUT against domestic violence

    For most, staying home under the nation’s restrictions in light of the Coronavirus pandemic means staying safe. For others it’s proved anything but. It was revealed that over 2,230 gender-based violence cases were reported during the first week of the national lockdown.

    Sonke Gender Justice also believes that the number of unreported cases pushes that number up significantly. The escalation of domestic violence around the world amidst lockdown restrictions is in itself another pandemic. Womxn, children and other vulnerable groups find themselves trapped between two pandemics. Sonke is calling for collective community support, for those staying home to keep safe, and to also keep watch on their neighbours’ safety.

    Lockdown has meant that access to normal support channels – like visiting family and community check ins – have been shut off. In addition to that, being under the constant watch of an abusive member of the household, making a phone call to get help isn’t always possible either.

    “Unwatched and unchecked – women, children and other vulnerable groups are finding themselves at the mercy of their abusers,” says Sonke’s Communications and Strategic Information Unit Manager Given Sigauqwe. “This is not the time to be quiet. We must be loud enough to make a difference to those who are impacted by domestic violence,” continues Sigauqwe.

    There is no doubt that as a nation we are stronger together, so now we have another national call of solidarity. To greatly reduce the frequency and severity of domestic violence attacks in this period we need to call on our neighbours to help protect each other.

    As neighbors we need to stop outsourcing our role in the fight against GBV. This is why Sonke is launching its #SPEAKOUT campaign. Watch the campaign video here.

    Sonke is calling on every womxn and man next door – to #SPEAKOUT on social media and pledge their commitment to watch out for gender-based in their neighbourhood. Domestic violence can be reported to toll-free Gender Based Violence Call Centre on 0800 428 428 or *120*7867#.

    If you can get in touch with someone who is being abused in any way – over the fence/by phone – please check if they feel that your intervention as a neighbour will help or will make the situation worse. The needs and safety of those who are being abused are always paramount!

    Everyone is someone’s neighbour, and if every neighbour speaks out for the survival of its community, our chances will be greatly improved at limiting the violence, especially to children who are the most vulnerable.

    #SPEAKOUT so that every survivor of abuse – and every perpetrator – knows there’s someone right next door that cares and who will never be silenced.

    WE ARE STRONGER, TOGETHER.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

  • Sonke mourns the loss of anti-gender-based violence activist Tamsyn Elaine Allison

    Today Sonke Gender Justice pays its respects and tribute to anti Gender-Based Violence (GBV) activist Tamsyn Elaine Allison. Sonke is profoundly saddened by the news of her passing due to post-birth complications recently.

    Tamsyn changed lives through her activism and will be remembered for spearheading the noble campaign against GBV gathering at the Durban City hall in September 2019 as part of a national intervention.

    Tamsyn was also known for her work with Collective Action and Conversations for a Just SA.

    To Tamsyn’s partner Devan Deyzel, children, friends, fellow activists we send our deepest condolences for your loss. We mourn with you. We commit to continue the battle to turn the tide against GBV and femicides in our country.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

  • Men can end sexual harassment

    Stop Sexual Harassment

    Sexual harassment in the workplace is varied and prevalent in Uganda and there must be stronger commitment to address this illicit act. For far too long, women have been subject to gender-based discrimination and violence in the workplace. The recent allegations of sexual harassment being reported in various media platforms underpin a much larger issue that is pervasive on our streets, homes, communities, offices and other work places.

    Women deserve equal participation in the world of work, free from violence, harassment and any form of discrimination. Unfortunately, safe work places are not the reality for many women in Uganda.

    Sexual harassment against women is rooted in power dynamics, gender stereotypes, norms and attitudes that belittle women’s bodies, potential and choices. Hence, engaging men and boys in the drive towards a violence-free world is important in transforming the gender norms and power inequalities that contribute to men’s behaviours and actions that render women vulnerable. Much has already been achieved in effectively engaging men in violence prevention and there are a number of promising practices.

    However, programmes tend to be small-scale and fast-tracking violence prevention among men will require well-coordinated stronger commitments to ensure that employers and work places have adopted and implemented sexual harassment policies that are consistent with the national standards and Sustainable Development Goal 5 and 8.

    MENENGAGE UGANDA urges all men to support women who are speaking out and reclaiming their voice and power. Silence is not an option anymore, particularly when up to 22% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced some form of sexual violence. As we launch our ONLINE CAMPAIGN ON END SEXUAL HARASSMENT, #RespectMyBody, we call upon everyone to contribute towards safe work places through enforcing sexual harassment policies, educating the community, holding perpetrators accountable and providing a strong support network for victims. Businesses, groups and companies should invest in teaching employees about sexual harassment – with clear processes on how to handle complaints. We must stop victim blaming. Violence should not be condoned.

    In 2020 and beyond, let’s pick up the momentum to demand and create a society that is safe, peaceful and prosperous for everyone through questioning men’s stereotypes, perceptions and attitudes towards women’s bodies.

    For enquiries and media interviews please contact:

    Hassan Sekajoolo, National coordinator, MenEngage Uganda: +256-703-983-298 or ugamen15@gmail.com.

    Notes to editors:

    MenEngage Uganda is a network of over 50 civil society organisations working to engage men and boys in reducing gender inequalities, preventing HIV, ending gender-based violence and promoting the health and well-being of women, girls, boys and men in Uganda. It forms part of 22 networks that affiliate to MenEngage Africa Alliance.

    Website: www.menengage.org/regions/uganda

  • Constitutional Court to hear JICS independence case on 3 March 2020

    On 3 March 2020, the confirmation proceedings in the case of Sonke Gender Justice v President and Others will be heard in the Constitutional Court. The hearing follows the Western Cape High Court decision of Boqwana J of 5 September 2019, wherein certain sections of the Correctional Services Act 11 of 1998 were declared unconstitutional. It is now incumbent upon the Constitutional Court to determine whether this order of unconstitutionality is to be confirmed or denied.

    The impugned provisions relate to the establishment of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) and were challenged for their failure to afford JICS sufficient independence. Of primary concern is the fact that the legislation requires that JICS draw its budget from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) – the very institution it is required to oversee – and is accountable to DCS for all monies received.

    Sonke Gender Justice and Lawyers for Human Rights, who instituted proceedings in this matter on 13 December 2016, welcomed the High Court’s order of unconstitutionality, as it recognised that these provisions compromise JICS’ existence as a functional, independent, and accessible oversight body fundamental to the protection and promotion of detainees’ rights.

    We hope that the Constitutional Court will confirm the order, enabling the legislation to be amended to allow JICS to be more financially and operationally independent, which in turn will have a positive impact on the safety and wellbeing of incarcerated persons in South Africa.

    We acknowledge the generous funding granted to the applicant by Legal Aid South Africa in both the High Court and Constitutional litigation.

    For more information, kindly contact:

    • Zia Wasserman, National Prisons Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice: zia@genderjustice.org.za, 021 423 7088
    • Clare Ballard, Attorney and Head of Penal Reform Programme, Lawyers for Human Rights: clare@lhr.org.za, 021 424 8561

  • Involvement of men and tough action by African leaders needed to end FGM

    MEA Logo

    Thursday, 6th February, marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a procedure that partially or totally removes a female’s external genitalia, causing irreparable and irreversible harm, as well as life-long health and psychological complications. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that about 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to FGM. The practice is a global problem and, in Africa alone, 50 million girls are at risk of FGM if political leaders don’t take decisive action to ensure its demise.1 Africa is home to 29 of the world’s FGM practicing countries, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Of these countries, 10 are members of the MenEngage Africa Alliance – Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Cameroon. It is important to note that while FGM is only traditionally practiced in communities of 10 MEA countries mentioned above, the practice has been observed in other parts of Africa including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, due to migration across the continent.

    Of the 29 countries in Africa where FGM is endemic, 26 have laws prohibiting the practice, but these are mostly inadequate and are seldom enforced; prosecutions are rare, and penalties are sometimes too light to act as a deterrent. Penalties range from monetary fines to a minimum of three months to life in prison.2 This laxity in laws has led to newer trends including medicalisation and cross-border FGM practices, among others.

    There is no medical or scientific basis for the procedure. It violates the human rights of women and girls, leaving in its wake sexual reproductive and health challenges for the survivors, including complications during child birth, painful sex, menstrual and urination disorders, recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections, fistulae, infertility and even death in some cases.

    We need urgent action to prevent the continued brutalisation of more girls and women through this practice that is steeped in archaic cultural and religious beliefs. As an alliance that believes that men and boys are crucial in efforts to make gender equality a reality, we also believe that there must be an increased mobilisation of men and boys against this practice.

    “After all, women and girls are mutilated ostensibly for the benefit of men, because of a belief that FGM will increase their chances of getting married. Another reason is the belief that women who have had FGM are clean, better at pleasing men sexually and are not promiscuous,” says Hassan Sekajoolo, chairperson of the MenEngage Africa Steering Committee.

    “In many countries, FGM is considered a rite of passage, therefore, shortly after the procedure girls are married off – usually to older men and often before the legal age of marriage – 18. Thus, FGM is closely linked to early and forced marriage – another violation of human rights, depriving girls the right to enjoy their childhood and access to education, hence, it is important that all efforts aimed at rooting out FGM must involve men and boys, not only as the primary intended beneficiaries of this practice, but also as agents of change. As the MenEngage Africa Alliance, we need to accelerate advocacy efforts in collaboration with women’s rights organisations to advance the aims of the African Union “Saleema” campaign to end FGM,” adds Hassan Sekajoolo.

    Beyond this, ending FGM requires a multi-sectoral approach that brings together law enforcement agencies, child protection professionals, educators, physicians, traditional and religious leaders, governments and government agencies, activists and survivors.

    Our governments have a crucial role to play in rooting out FGM in the continent. They have made commitments under Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to eliminate FGM. MenEngage Africa Alliance, therefore, calls on African governments to take their commitments seriously and follow through on their intent to make FGM a thing of the past.

    We call on our governments to:

    • Find strategies to enforce laws that ban female genital mutilation within their countries;
    • Introduce harsher penalties for those who disobey the anti-FGM laws;
    • Allocate sufficient human and financial resources to reducing and, ultimately, ending FGM in our nations;
    • Strengthen the implementation of regional co-ordination in the areas of policy and legislation, communication and advocacy, evidence, research and data through regional economic communities to end cross-border female genital mutilation;
    • Support efforts by civil society organisations that campaign for the end to FGM;
    • Develop programmes to address emerging forms and trends of FGM practice such as medicalisation, reducing the age of cutting, types of FGM as well as religious and traditional justifications for FGM.

    Now is the time for action to reaffirm the commitment to ending this practice. Ending FGM is a developmental imperative.

    Notes to Editors

    MenEngage Africa is part of a global alliance of organisations who engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, promote health, reduce violence and to question and address the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. The global alliance consists of six (6) regions co-ordinated by a regional Secretariat and governed by a regional Steering Committee, which elects one representative per region to the global board. Sonke Gender Justice is the Secretariat of MenEngage Africa (MEA), which consists of 22 country networks spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa. MEA members work collectively toward advancing gender justice, human rights and social justice in key thematic areas including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) & HIV prevention, Child Rights and Positive Parenting and in promoting peace on the continent.

    Endnotes

    1. https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20190211/african-union-launches-continental-initiative-end-female-genital-mutilation
    2. https://www.equalitynow.org/the_law_and_fgm

  • Sonke calls on Deputy President David Mabuza and the Presidency to denounce homophobic and transphobic laws across the continent

    Sonke Gender Justice (Sonke) wishes to unequivocally condemn recent remarks by Deputy President, David Mabuza in respect of the potential revival of homophobic laws in Uganda.

    It has been reported that Uganda may re-introduce the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that seeks to impose the death penalty for same-sex sexual conduct. In terms of existing laws from the colonial-era, those found guilty of “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” could already face life imprisonment.

    These laws have led to the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda being subjected to systemic discrimination and abuse. Just this past weekend, police raided a gay-friendly bar in Uganda, and arrested as many as 120 people, allegedly on drug-related charges.

    Amongst other things, Mabuza emphasised that South Africa should respect the principle of state sovereignty and non-interference under international law; that South Africa should not impose its own beliefs or morals on other countries; and that we must be decent enough to keep our mouths shut.

    Mabuza’s comments are inconsistent with South Africa’s Constitution which expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Our courts have similarly found that discrimination on the basis of one’s gender identity or expression is abhorrent to our constitutional values.

    Mabuza’s reference to the principle of state sovereignty and non-interference in international affairs is misguided. Whilst states must respect the sovereignty of each state this does not detract from their duty to respect and protect fundamental human rights.

    Both international and regional laws respect the inherent dignity of each person and acknowledge the fundamental rights of all persons without distinction of any kind.

    Regionally this has been expressed through Resolution 275 of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights which calls on state parties to ensure the protection against violence and other human rights violations against persons on the basis of their real or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity.

    Mabuza’s comments must also be condemned because they feed into the myth that homosexuality is unAfrican and may be considered acceptable in some societies but not in others; this is a dangerous proposition that seeks to conceal homophobia and transphobia under the guise of cherishing African values.

    To the contrary, various forms of sexual and gender identities have existed across the continent for centuries. Most of the laws criminalising homosexuality in Africa, are in fact colonial-era laws which have not been repealed. In this sense, there is nothing inherently African about transphobia or homophobia. Rather, the African value of ubuntu requires us to embrace the diversity of all persons regardless of difference.

    Lastly, Mabuza’s insistence that South Africa should “keep its mouth shut” betrays our own history, where many nations across the continent aided South Africa in its struggle against apartheid. If history were to repeat itself, would Mabuza insist that the rest of the continent keeps its mouth shut and allow tyranny and racial oppression to have free reign again in South Africa?

    Sonke calls on Mabuza to retract his remarks and issue an unconditional apology not only to the LGBTIQ+ community in South Africa but across Africa and the world at large.

    In addition, Sonke calls on both Mabuza and the Presidency to confirm South Africa’s opposition to homophobic and transphobic laws across the continent and its commitments to our constitutional values which cherish human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination on the basis of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    1. Given, CSI Manager, Sonke Gender Justice, 073 988 2870 or given@genderjustice.org.za.
    2. Ohene Yaw Ampofo-Anti, Sonke Health & Human Rights Fellow 2019-2020, ohene@genderjustice.org.za.

  • Sonke Gender Justice mourns the loss of veteran broadcaster Xolani Gwala

    Today Sonke Gender Justice pays its respects to seasoned broadcaster Xolani Gwala. We are profoundly saddened by the news of his passing after a two year long battle with cancer.

    His family confirmed the news to his 702 colleagues and listeners this morning.

    Born in 1975 at Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal, ‘XG’ or Bra X as he was affectionately known by some of his listeners, was the host of the Xolani Gwala show and the afternoon drive show on Radio 702. Xolani had more than twenty years of experience in broadcasting including working as a news anchor, producer, reporter, talk show host and current affairs presenter.

    Sonke’s Acting Co-Executive Director, Bafana Khumalo reacted to the passing of the broadcasting giant saying: “I woke up to the devastating news about the passing on of the immutable Xolani Gwala. What a life! In only 44 years Mphephethwa has made such a huge contribution and touched so many lives through his sheer professionalism as a journalist. Hamba kahle mfowethu. Condolences to the family”.

    To Xolani’s family, his dear wife Peggy-Sue and the children, friends and colleagues, we send our deepest condolences for your loss. The world mourns with you. What a life!

    Hamba Kahle Mphephethwa.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    • Given Sigauqwe, Communications & Strategic Information Unit Manager, Sonke Gender Justice, 073 988 2870 or given@genderjustice.org.za.

  • Sonke and #UniteBehind will have a joint action to highlight the issues of GBV and women and children’s safety on public transport

    The action, taking place at the tail end of transport month on the 31st October 2019 at the Cape Town Station will see activists, public transport commuters and other road users share their experiences and converging to demand authorities to address their collective concerns. The action will be followed by a march to parliament, where a memorandum of demands to address gender-based violence, safety and security and other intersecting issues experienced by public transport commuters and road users alike will be handed over.

    The event will also see the release of a report on safety in public transport by Sonke Gender Justice. The report highlights the lived experiences of gender-based violence, sexual harassment, crime and safety issues shared by women and girls who utilise public transport, particularly the minibus taxis, busses and metro rail trains, in Western Cape and Gauteng.

    Gender-based violence has been an issue of national concern recently and public transport is where women can find themselves in vulnerable situations, predominantly, due to the actions of men. What happens in public transport is a microcosm of larger societal issues. Women, young people, children, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups such as migrants, gender non-confirming persons, LGBTQIA+ community, women from poor households living commuting from peripheral areas) are affected the most when using public transport that is unsafe, inefficient and unreliable.

    For many South Africans, public transport is an essential part of everyday life, and data from the National Household Travel Survey 2013 suggests that 3 out of 4 (76.7%) households in South Africa rely on public transport. Women are exposed to sexual harassment while using trains, busses and all forms of taxis, particularly mini-bus taxis.

    #UniteBehind has run it’s #FixOurTrains campaign for the last two years, highlighting the issues women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities face on PRASA-run trains and has been calling for a commuter-centred safety plan as well as women and children-only carriages, fully-trained and properly registered security personnel, and effective reporting mechanisms for crime victims.

    Sonke Gender Justice is calling for a National Safety in Public Transport Policy, that would address all issues relating to public transport in a holistic and comprehensive manner. The policy would include ensuring that public transport entities, key stakeholders, including relevant transport associations, address all the concerns of commuters, and institute safety plans, that prioritise the safety and overall security of women, children and vulnerable persons and address crime, violence and gender related issues on public transport.

    Access to transport is also critical for growth and poverty reduction in South Africa, it is therefore urgent for government to address the safety, security, crime, violence and gender-related issues on public transport.

    Some of the key findings and recommendations of the report will be discussed at the action, and education materials addressing public transport issues will be disseminated to all public transport commuters. We will also be hearing from women, young people and girls who have been affected by the current unsafe and unreliable forms of public transport.

    Contact:

  • Convicted Dros rapist Nicholas Ninow showed no remorse for his actions and sought to evade accountability on the basis of his abuse of drugs and alcohol

    Sonke Gender Justice (Sonke) welcomes the judgment of the Pretoria High Court handed down on 17 October, which sentenced convicted child rapist, Nicholas Ninow, to life imprisonment. Ninow was also sentenced to 5 years for drug possession and defeating the ends of justice, which will run concurrently with the life sentence.

    Crime Statistics for the 2018/2019 financial year indicate that incidents of rape and other forms of gender-based violence have substantially increased. In many instances the victims of these heinous crimes are children.

    According to the statistics, of the 52 420 sexual offences that were reported 46.5% were against children.

    It was barely a month ago that the Constitutional Court handed down its now infamous judgment decrying the use of corporal punishment and acknowledged the particular vulnerability of children in society and their right to be free from all forms of violence.

    The sentence given to Ninow should be welcomed for a number of reasons. First, this was a particularly heinous crime given that it was an attack on a minor (she was only seven years old at the time) and that it was premeditated. Second, the accused showed no remorse for his actions and sought to evade accountability on the basis of his abuse of drugs and alcohol.

    Another significant aspect of the ruling is that Ninow’s name will be added to the sex offenders’ registry.

    More importantly, however, Sonke hopes that the speed at which the trial was concluded will encourage other survivors of GBV to come forward and make use of the justice system.

    Research indicates that only 1 in 9 survivors of GBV report these crimes to the authorities. This is largely because of the trust deficit between survivors of GBV and the criminal justice system.

    When all stakeholders in the criminal justice system play their role effectively it enhances public confidence in the justice system and the possibility of healing for survivors, their families and the broader community.

    Sonke notes however, that in the vast majority of cases of GBV there are frequent and chronic delays. The speed at which the Ninow matter was resolved and the professionalism displayed by all stakeholders should become a template for all cases going forward.

    This will ensure the rights to dignity, equality and freedom from violence which are constitutionally enshrined are protected. In this sense the kind of justice meted out in the Ninow case should become the rule rather than an exception.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    1. Nonhlanhla Skosana , CEM Manager, Sonke Gender Justice, 0789715477 or nonhlanhla@genderjustice.org.za.
    2. Bafana Khumalo, Acting Co-Director, Sonke Gender Justice, 082 578 4479 or bafana@genderjustice.org.za.
    3. Given Sigauqwe, CSI Unit Manager, Sonke Gender Justice, 0739882870 or given@genderjustice.org.za.

  • Launch of the Decriminalisation of Petty By-Laws Campaign in South Africa

    Today, World Homeless Day, marks the official launch of a civil society campaign to decriminalise poverty-related by-laws in South Africa. We reject the effective criminalisation of poverty through municipal by-laws currently targeting the poor and the most marginalised in South Africa.

    Various South African municipalities enforce by-laws criminalising or penalising conduct related to the performance of life-sustaining activities in public spaces. Examples include the prohibition of persons from loitering or sleeping in public spaces; the solicitation of a vehicle driver for the purpose of guarding the vehicle; making a fire on a beach; pushing a trolley on a highway; begging; or washing in a public bathroom.

    Such by-laws indirectly discriminate against some of the most marginalised people in society, including homeless people, sex workers, drug users, migrants and informal traders. These groups are more likely to engage in the prohibited conduct described given their socio-economic circumstances and their reliance on the informal sector. In addition, the implementation of the by-laws by law enforcement sometimes results in harassment, confiscation of possessions, and violence.

    This Campaign joins other civil society networks on the continent under the “Decriminalising and Reclassifying Petty Offences in Africa” campaign. Various African countries – particularly those historically colonized by Britain – have by-law originating from England’s Vagrancy Act of 1824 which criminalises various ‘nuisance’ behaviours. In 2017, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) adopted the Principles on the Decriminalisation of Petty Offences in Africa (the ‘Principles’). The purpose of the Principles is to guide states on the decriminalisation of petty offences in Africa. The Principles establish clear standards against which petty offences created by law or by-law should be assessed, while they promote measures that can be taken by State Parties to ensure that such laws do not target persons based on their social origin, social status or fortune by criminalising life-sustaining activities.

    The decision to launch the South African campaign on World Homeless Day is motivated by the fact that homelessness is a prominent global issue affecting thousands of people who are in dire need of protection. The Campaign launched today advocates that homelessness and vagrancy issues need to be dealt with using a rights-based, social development and harm reduction approach. This is contrary to current strategies by municipalities and law enforcement officers perpetuating the stigmatisation of poverty by mandating a punitive and reactionary criminal-justice response to what are socio-economic and sustainable development issues.

    The key objectives of the Campaign are to advocate for the decriminalisation of discriminatory by-laws, through the following means:

    1. Advocating for the use of social justice and harm reduction responses to dealing with vagrancy and related issues, as opposed to the current punitive and reactionary criminal justice response;
    2. Reviewing and where necessary demanding the repeal of discriminatory municipal by-laws;
    3. Conducting research and consulting with the public and those directly affected on current practices of by-law enforcement; and
    4. Changing the narrative and popular perceptions of the poor by challenging stereotypes about homeless people and other similarly marginalised groups.

    Current Campaign members include Africa Criminal Justice Reform (Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape), African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum, Ashraf Mahomed, Centre for Human Rights (University of Pretoria), Lawyers for Human Rights, National Association of Democratic Lawyers, Sonke Gender Justice, and U-Turn.

    We encourage all interested individuals, organisations and institutions to become part of this important campaign and to advocate for change.

    If you are interested, please email: bylawsdecrim@gmail.com.

  • Sonke Gender Justice calls on the government to take effective and pragmatic steps to combat the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide

    Sonke Gender Justice is calling on the government to take effective and pragmatic steps to combat the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.

    Sonke welcomes the decision by the SA legislature to set up time in parliament for a debate on the scourge of GBV and femicides. Given the gravity of this situation we trust that our public representatives will not use this information for cheap political point scoring or politics of grandstanding. Lives of women and girls deserve better.

    The scale of gender-based violence in South Africa is high and unacceptable. The latest South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics revealed that sexual offences increased by 4.6% compared to the previous financial year.

    The statistics also revealed that even with the gross underreporting 52 420 sexual offences were reported. This means that an average of 144 sexual offences were reported daily.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a joint sitting of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces to discuss a possible approach to combating gender-based violence.

    However, the government has previously made commitments to combat gender-based violence in name only. Thus far gender-based violence specific programmes within government ministries have yielded very little progress.

    The government needs a renewed strategy relating to the prevention of gender-based violence, the care of its survivors and the response to incidents of gender-based violence, and this is why Sonke is calling on the national government to take its call for a National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence seriously.

    The implementation of a fully funded multi-sectoral National Strategic Plan will ensure that prevention programmes that deal with dangerous gender norms are rolled out, but most importantly, the NSP will ensure that gender-based violence is addressed on multiple levels; including prevention and intervention efforts emanating from both government and civil society.

    Bystander programmes, community mobilisation, and early intervention and response, including good quality psycho social support to survivors have all been shown to prevent violence effectively.

    Government has identified the harmful use of alcohol and other substances as a major contributing factor to crime and violence in our country, especially male violence against women.

    At the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Summit last year, the President said that measures to address this issue must be improved. There are three pending Bills which are alcohol-related – the Control Of Marketing of Alcoholic Beverages Bill, the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, and the National Liquor Amendment Bill.

    We call on the Presidency to work with the respective departments responsible for these Bills – the Department of Health, the Department of Transport, and the Department of Trade and Industry – to fast-track the processing of the Bills because we believe they will lead to a significant reduction in the harmful use of alcohol and the associated crimes of violence against women.

    We trust that our public representatives will take this opportunity to show leadership on a matter that is a national crisis.

    For media enquiries, please contact:

  • Landmark moment for child rights in South Africa

    Joint press release by respondents and amici curiae in the case of Freedom of Religion South Africa v Minister of Justice & Constitutional Development & others [Children’s Institute (UCT); Quaker Peace Centre; Sonke Gender Justice; Centre for Child Law; The Parent Centre; Global Initiative to End All Forms of Corporal Punishment of Children; Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, Governance and Human Rights].

    We welcome the judgment that was handed down by the Constitutional Court on the constitutionality of the use of corporal punishment in the home. The common law defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’ has been declared inconsistent with the Constitution. The defence previously allowed parents to hit their children with the justification of corporal punishment being a form of discipline as a defense to a charge of assault.

    The Court found that the right to be free from all forms of violence from both public and private sources includes violence in the form of reasonable and moderate chastisement. Furthermore, the Court found that the right to dignity means that children are independent and autonomous right-holders who may not be subjected to shameful and undignified treatment.

    The Court’s approach to parents’ entitlement to chastise their child was guided by the best interests of the child in respect of protection from potential abuse. The best interests of the child would be to achieve discipline and achieve the same result “without causing harm or unduly undermining the fundamental rights of the child,” the Court said.

    The Court also found that reasonable chastisement was neither necessary nor justifiable in light of the fact that there are non-violent methods for disciplining children such as “positive parenting”.

    The judgment reinforced submissions by the Children’s Institute, the Quaker Peace Centre, and Sonke Gender Justice – all represented by the Centre for Child Law – which had underlined the high levels of violence against children and the link between corporal punishment and other forms of violence. Corporal punishment is one of the key drivers of the high levels of violence against children in South Africa. Recent findings from the Birth to Twenty Plus study – which followed more than 2,000 children in Soweto from birth to 22 years old – shows that 50% of younger children have

    experienced violence in the home most often through physical punishment by parents. In adolescence, the proportion of children who have experienced violence in the home increases to 83%. Evidence shows that violence during childhood increased the risk for young boys to later become perpetrators and young girls to be victims in intimate relationships.

    The court acknowledged the intergenerational cycle of violence. The court stated: “We have a painful and shameful history of widespread and institutionalized violence.”

    Violence against women and children are inextricably linked. They occur in the same households and share the same drivers. With the current attention to the high levels of gender-based violence in South Africa, it is important to note that this ruling is not aimed at criminalizing parents. This is only

    the first step in protecting children more from physical violence in the home. The real work begins now. Raising public awareness on the ruling is accompanied by momentum from the Department of Social Development to drive a national parental awareness campaign on Positive discipline. Positive discipline is not an alternative form of punishment: it avoids the use of punishment. Instead, it assumes that children want to behave well but need help understanding how to do so and that children learn best through cooperation.

    South Africa also needs to focus on the implementation of widespread interventions to support families at the national level to change attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate the use of harsh and violent ways of discipline against children. We need programmes that have shown to be effective in changing both individual attitudes and social norms around child discipline and we need to teach caregivers about alternative, non-violent forms of discipline that can replace smacking and spanking.

    South Africa is currently in the process of finalizing the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on gender-based violence and femicide – given the intergenerational consequences of violence in the home it is imperative for the NSP to also cost the support for parents to use positive discipline with their children.

    The ruling coincides with the passage through parliament of the Third Amendment to the Children’s Act. The ruling today offers an opportunity for the Children’s Act to be harmonized with the Constitution and developed in such a way as to support parents better in the guidance that they provide to children.

    Respondents available for contact via Media Liaison

    Prof Shanaaz Mathews, Director
    Children’s Institute Cape Town
    shanaaz.mathews@uct.ac.za
    076 560 9401

    Wessel van den Berg, Children’s Rights and Positive Parenting Unit Manager
    Sonke Gender Justice
    wessel@genderjustice.org.za

    Lucy Jamieson, Senior Researcher
    Children’s Institute
    076 560 9401

    Carmen de Vos, Senior Social Worker
    The Parent Centre
    Carmen@theparentcentre.org.za

    Jann Watlington, Communications Officer
    The Parent Centre
    paces@theparentcentre.org.za

    Isabel Magaya, Senior
    Centre for Child Law
    Isabel.magaya@up.ac.za

    Carol Bower, Director
    Quaker Peace Centre
    Crlbwr4@gmail.com

    Dr Sonia Vohito, Africa Project Coordinator
    The Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children
    sonia@endcorporalpunishment.org