Herbert Rachuene
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned about the escalation in incidents of violence committed against women in the province.
This according to DA Councillor Mavis Sabela during a session of Women’s Parliament held at the Provincial Legislature last week.
The annual special sitting kick started Women’s Month celebrations at the Legislature last Friday.
"Violence against women is a major problem. We need the Department of Safety and Security to stamp its authority on the situation," Sabela said.
She further stated that the DA has realised most abused woman are scared to report cases of violence against them due to societal stereotypes. Forty percent of all women in South Africa experience abuse in their homes yet most keep mum about the situation.
"Sex trafficking is rife in the rural areas. Young girls do more sexual work than school work and this must come to end with goverment’s intervention," Sabela said.
Deputy Chairperson of Disabled People of South Africa, Ms Sarah Zwane said they want equal opportunities for disabled persons.
"We have realised that the Government does not cater for the blind. We need Braille pamphlets and posters. Even labels on medication issued by hospitals must be in Braille. We have realised that health workers do not respect disabled persons that are pregnant. We are told that they keep on asking them who impregnated them as if they don’t have hormones. They are also human beings who can do almost everything that a able bodied person can do," she said, adding that sign language interpreters are needed in government offices.
"We fail to go for interviews because there are no interpreters. We are pleading with Government to do something about the situation," Zwane said.
Provincial Chairperson of the African National Congress Woman’s League (ANCWL), Ms Maite Marutha said all the concerns voiced by women will be taken to the different departments.