The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) supports the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. This international campaign runs annually from 25 November to 10 December and it opposes violence against women and children.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children and to rid society of such abuse.

South Africa has a history in the oppression of women. The inequality between men and women in their careers is endemic, the legal profession is no different from the patriarchal environment that practices inequality and the LSSA will continue to work on transforming the profession, including the equality of female lawyers.

The country witnesses the most harrowing violent acts of abuse committed on women and children, more so when it is performed by their loved ones, the very people who are supposed to protect them.

The recent campaign against femicide is part of this campaign, and it is apt to use the slogan in this campaign ‘you must be the change that you wish to see in the world’. All members of our society must join to eradicate this culture, which goes against our humanity and our African values.

‘We call on all citizens to commit to a community free of violence against women and children, beyond the 16 days,’ says LSSA President, Mvuzo Notyesi.

Mr Notyesi adds: ‘The LSSA and its gender committee has been engaging with Legal Aid South Africa to facilitate the involvement of legal practitioners at educational and outreach events aimed at raising public awareness of rights and the legal system in the context of domestic violence, children’s rights and related matters.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA, MVUZO NOTYESI
LSSA Communications:
Nomfundo Jele nomfundom@LSSA.org.za Tel: (012) 366 8800 or 072 402 6344