Violence Against Women

16 Days Of Activism

Here in South Africa, we are currently in the middle of an annual campaign that addresses violence against women and children. One just has to read the daily newspaper to see what a huge challenge this is for this still so new democratically ruled country. To my way of thinking, the treatment of women and children is at the heart of this nation's challenges. In fact I recall a special New York Times Magazine , "Why Women's Rights Are the Cause of Our Time." The editors, Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn wrote then. "In many parts of the world, women are routinely beaten, raped or sold into prostitution. They are denied medical care, education and economic and political power. Changing that could change everything." Writing in the local paper on November 26, Lungiswa Memela shared these facts; one in four South African women has experienced abuse from their partners and more than 40 per cent of men have been guilty of this. South Africa has one of the highest incidences of rape but few are reported to the police. Most shocking of all, after HIV and AIDS, violence is now the second largest cause of death here. Memela says that:"sexual and domestic violence is so widespread in South Africa that they are perceived to be a normal part of the relationship. and a normal part of community life." Sadly, may women think beating is a sign of love. "Violence against women will go on until we change the way we think," Memela says. One of my other concerns is the rate of pregnancy among women here. One lady told me this. "We have no education about this and just do things that do not know the consequences." In the light of this, our work with women becomes so important as we seek to give them a skill and lift their self esteem from God's Word. I have never asked in my class although I have known of some instances of abuse, but more and more I see women who are more self aware, and, I pray, women who understand how much God loves and values their lives. This is our work here.