An open letter to a sister in need

 

We acknowledge that in doing so, you are exercising your rights guaranteed by the South African Constitution, and other important legislation set up since 1996 to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights. We are fully aware that it is your right, in this constitutional democracy to access justice without fear, favour or prejudice. We have witnessed, as the process unfolds that this has not been totally true in your case. Instead you have been rendered both faceless and voiceless, and have had to live under sequestration. We therefore stand by you in your resolve to defend these rights, and to place your confidence in the judicial process, in spite of what you continue to experience. We salute your bravery and celebrate that you are indeed getting your day in court.

 

This year South Africa celebrates 10 years of the National Constitution, a constitution in which women’s rights and gender equality are acknowledged, protected, promoted and celebrated. Since 1998 our government together with civil society partners, at national, provincial and local level, have driven the 16 Days Campaign on No Violence Against Women and Children, which has expanded to the campaign on 365 Days of Peace. We have taken it upon ourselves to strengthen the state machinery in order to ensure that women do indeed enjoy the rights guaranteed in the constitution. It is in this vein that part of our every day work is to encourage women and children to speak up, so that we can end violence against women and children everywhere it manifests itself in our nation; and build a culture which is pro-peace and intolerant to violence, especially gender based violence.

 

I write therefore, per the direction of the National Gender Machinery and behalf of my sisters and colleagues, in the hope that you find solace in knowing that you have our support in your continued and brave quest to access your democratically guaranteed rights.

 

Susan Nkomo

Chief Executive Officer:Office on the Status of Women

The Presidency, RSA

 

*The National Gender Machinery comprises the Office on the Status of Women at national and provincial level, the national gender focal points in government departments, the Commission on Gender Equality, the Joint Monitoring Committee on the Improvement of the Quality of Life and the Status of Women as well as civil society organisations dedicated to the advancement of women.