Narend Singh, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, was the guest speaker at the 26th annual Ammen Awards at the Shri Marieammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe on Saturday. He spoke out against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and praised the media for raising awareness of this national crisis, through bold headlines and storytelling.
According to the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, GBV is a serious issue in South Africa, affecting millions of people, particularly women and children. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of addressing this issue and promoting a culture of respect and equality.
GBV in South Africa
GBV is a pervasive problem in South Africa, with statistics showing that one in five women has experienced physical or sexual violence. The Deputy Minister called on all South Africans to work together to combat GBV and create a safer and more equitable society.
Key Steps to Address GBV
To address GBV, the Deputy Minister suggested the following key steps:
- Increasing awareness and education about GBV
- Strengthening laws and policies to protect victims of GBV
- Providing support and resources to survivors of GBV
- Promoting a culture of respect and equality
The Ammen Awards, which recognize excellence in various fields, provided a platform for the Deputy Minister to highlight the importance of addressing GBV and promoting a culture of respect and equality.
