Urgent action is needed to stop the scourge of violence and violation of right to sexual orientation through what is termed "corrective rape", says Ms Lulu Xingwana, Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities.
Minister Xingwana made the statement when presenting the budget vote of her Department to the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town today.
"Our country faces a serious crisis of violence against women and children. We have children being dumped in dustbins while women, young and old, are falling victims to rape and murder.
The right to sexual orientation as stipulated in our Constitution is also being violated through the so-called corrective rape of lesbian women," said Minister Xingwana.
She said the Task Team convened by the Department of Justice to look into the violation of rights of lesbians and gays should provide the necessary guidance to assist Government to stop the rape and murder of people based on their sexual orientation.
Minister Xingwana said the challenge of violence against women and children is also highlighted as the main challenge facing South Africa at international gender forums including the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York and the Committee on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women which holds its hearing in Geneva.
"While our country is commended for progress in the representation of women in political decision making positions, access to education for girls and our response to HIV and AIDS, gender based violence and child abuse is identified as the main area of concern," said Minister Xingwana.
She said the establishment of a National Council to End Violence Against Women and Children will enhance the country's efforts to stop gender based violence by bringing much needed coordination amongst key government departments, civil society organizations and other relevant partners. The Council will also coordinate the implementation of the 365 Days National Plan of Action to end violence against women and children.
"Our country has a strong legislative framework protecting the rights of women and children. As the Department, we are going to monitor the implementation of all these laws including the Domestic Violence Act and the Children's Act," said Minister Xingwana.
She said the department will continue to implement campaigns such as the recent Child Protection Week to raise awareness and mobilise communities to support efforts to stop violence against women and children.
Statement issued by Sibani Mngadi, Department of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, June 21 2011
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