Marking the United Nations 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, 2006 sees Childline Gauteng combining forces with some of the country’s leading personalities to create awareness of the nationwide Act Against Abuse campaign.
Sixteen years old this year, the 16 Days of Activism campaign is a global movement that raises awareness of gender-based violence. The UN-endorsed campaign kicks off on November 25 each year and runs until December 10. It includes events and fund-raising projects by business, government and NGOs that highlight the plight of vulnerable groups.
Lynne Cawood, director of Childline Gauteng, says the NGO will use the opportunity to create awareness of its “Charter For Children”, which has been signed by hundreds of members of the public as well as some of South Africa’s top personalities.
"The Charter for Children upholds a number of promises that the organisation has drawn up regarding South Africa’s young people, and shows our children that people do care," she says.
Hundreds of Childline’s ‘Big Friends of the Children’ have already pledged to make a difference to the children by signing the Children’s Charter, an agreement that pledges to care for children by recognising the children’s interests and indicating the signatory’s concern.
We are pleased to have on board South Africans from all walks of life, and our list of signatories to date includes people such as Lesego Motsepe of Isidingo, Skwatta Kamp, Miss South Africa Thuli Sithole, Springbok rugby players Ashwin Willemse and Bryan Habana.
They are joined by former world boxing champion Baby Jake Matlala, Watershed’s Craig Williams, Kevin Fine of 5fm, Sorisha Naidoo and Alex Jay of 94.7 Highveld Stereo, David O’Sullivan of 702 Talk Radio, Gerry Rantseli television presenter, Chichi Letswalo formerly of Generations, Kass Naidoo of SABC Sport and a host of radio and television presenters."
Ms Cawood says by signing the Charter members of the public can show their support for children during the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Charter for Children
Recognising that our leaders and ordinary people have dedicated their lives to the establishment of a just peace in South Africa, in the interests of future generations, we, the Big Friends of Children pledge:
- To honour the SA Bill of Rights and section 28 of the Constitution which grants children the right to: a name and nationality; family or alternative care; nutrition; social services; shelter; health care; education; and, freedom from maltreatment, exploitative labour practices, armed conflict and detention.
- To strive to enhance all children’s right to equality, human dignity and life in all our endeavours.
- To remember that every child’s story deserves a happy ending.
- To embrace the South African spirit of Ubuntu, this recognises our mutual interdependence in the creation of our common humanity, especially with regard to children.
- To seek to enhance the lives of children through sensitive and caring interaction with each child we engage with.
- To commit to do no harm to a child and never interact in a violent manner with any young person.
We, the Big Friends of Children, commit ourselves to uphold the promises and legacy of freedom, justice and human rights attained by our forbearers. Through this we hope that all children will recognise that they are born into a country where they are valued and respected individually and collectively.
Furthermore, we endeavour to foster a society that strives to facilitate the actualisation of children’s dreams, so that they can reach their life goals and make a positive contribution to their communities and beyond.
Members of the public who would like to commit to Childline’s campaign for 16 Days of Activism can call Childline on 08000 55555 or (011) 645 2000.
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