From the 25^th of November to December 10 the world stood together to condemn constant inhumanity experienced by women and children in our societies. Newcastle Municipality together with sister Municipality Amajuba District hosted a campaign and conducted information session at the Osizweni Hall on Friday the 10^th of December 2016. 

Under the theme: “Count me in: Together moving a non –violent South Africa forward.” The 16 days of activism aims to encourage society to acknowledge that this scourge is not limited to the government or justice system, but it is also a societal problem that needs to be eradicated by working together.

The campaign remains a relevant subject in South Africa as progress towards the full understanding of children’s and women rights has proven to be on a snail scale if not stagnant.

“Men should learn to deal with anger issues accordingly without resorting   to abuse, they should learn that their wife and kids are not punching bags only then we can deem this campaign successful” said Amajuba District Mayor Dr M. Ngubane

According to Dr. Lerato Dikobe-Kalane of the Psychiatry Management Group, one out of every six women is regularly assaulted by her partner, with men abusing the children living with the women 46% of the time.

This statistic puts the plight of women and children at a shocking all-time high, and many organisations are calling for greater awareness around this concern.