PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA URGES MEN TO UNITE AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

• President Cyril Ramaphosa is rallying men across South Africa to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide by signing a virtual pledge.
• The pledge, signed by leaders from various sectors during Women’s Day in Pofadder, Northern Cape, urges men to adopt positive behaviours and attitudes towards women.
• Ramaphosa emphasises the need for all of society, especially men, to unite in ending gender-based violence and encourages those who uphold positive values to mentor others and report abuse.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the call for men across South Africa to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) by signing a virtual pledge at stateofthenation.gov.za.

On Women’s Day, Friday, 09 August 2024, President Ramaphosa launched this call to action by signing the pledge alongside men from all sectors of society in Pofadder, Northern Cape. Among those who joined the President were Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes, members of the provincial executive, local government leaders, and representatives from community- and faith-based organisations, as well as learners.

The pledge commits men to be allies in the fight against GBVF by adopting positive behaviours and attitudes, taking responsibility for their actions, and becoming part of the solution. Specifically, it calls on men to never raise a hand against a woman, to treat women as equals, to respect women’s rights, and to interact with women with dignity.

President Ramaphosa urges all of society to work together to end gender-based violence, calling on men who uphold positive values to help others change their conduct and to report instances of abuse and wrongdoing.