‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’ |25 November 2014

‘Men and women are equal partners’

“There can be no justification for the perpetration of violence against women. Men are not superior to women. We are equal partners. We complement each other.”

These words come in a message from the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton to mark the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’ which starts today.

The full text of Minister Meriton’s message reads:
“The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign – which runs from November 25 until December 10 – is a call for every woman, man, girl and boy to ‘UNiTE for Peace to End Gender-based Violence.’

“These 16 days ahead of us are some of the most significant in our calendar. They remind us that despite our progress in achieving the basic goals of gender equality and equity, we still have a long way to go in eliminating gender-based violence in our society.

“In Seychelles, although we recognise that 90% of the victims of gender-based violence (GBV) are women, we must not forget that there is a small group of men who are also victims of GBV. This is a shameful statistic. It is an impediment to greater equality, development and peace.  It is a human rights violation that has to stop in the prosperous Seychelles that we want to achieve.

“Seychellois women are intelligent, resourceful and resilient. They are an asset in our homes, workplaces and communities. They are leaders, at the forefront of every activity and social development. They stand up for their children, family and men.

“Our women do not deserve the indignity of violence at the hands of men. They deserve our deepest respect and affection. We should elevate our women, not degrade them. This horrible act must be punished because it is a crime.

“As we mark this 16 Days, I urge our population to stop thinking in unequal terms. We have all been created equal and possess the same universal, inalienable and indivisible human rights regardless of our gender.

“There can be no justification for the perpetration of violence against women. Men are not superior to women. We are equal partners. We complement each other. There is no basis to gaining and retaining control over women. Any inequality that exists harms us all.

“I am proud to note that our first Gender Policy will be addressing such issues with renewed vigour and determination. This is part of the Social Renaissance initiative to protect the health, safety and quality of life of every Seychellois. It is part of our efforts to promote positive living values.

“I take this opportunity to ask all members of the public to support this year’s 16 Days campaign by the small act of wearing orange this month and every 25th day of each month. Let us spread the word and in our own way, start making a difference. Let us unite for peace to end gender-based violence.”