Women should get self-defence skills

WHILE the country marks the first week of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, congratulations to all organisations launching 16 Days of Activism campaigns.

It is time to give women the respect they deserve.

It is so sad to notice the increased number of women who suffer abuse and violence, and in some cases are murdered by a spouse or partner.

The recently released statistics of crimes committed against women and children have shown an increase, and to me this is worrying and is becoming sickening and shameful.

What possesses any man to behave with such cruelty and cowardice towards women and children?

Today, despite all the sacrifices made and the fact that we have one of the world’s most progressive constitutions, many South African women sadly face domestic violence and various other forms of abuse.

My appeal to station commanders of the SAPS is to take a no-nonsense approach.

Many wives also endure abuse by their husbands because they are financially dependent on them.

It is time for men to play an active role and take an interest in the rights of all women, be it their spouses, mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and women in society in general.

Excellent suggestion by president of Karate SA, Sonny Pillay Hanshi, as a martial artist: it is vital for women to arm themselves with self-defence skills.

Remember the words, “You strike a woman, you strike a rock”.