The South African Royal Princesses’ Network has condemned the physical abuse of Amathole District Municipality Councillor, Naziwe Rulashe, who was dragged out of her office by security guards inside the municipality premises, last week.
One of the founders of this network, Princess Stella Sigcau II, said gender-based violence (GBV) is a gross violation of human rights. She said it is regrettable that it is estimated that one in three women would experience physical violence in their lifetime and GBV is reported as the least prosecuted of all crimes.
“It is a sad reality that to date women are not fully emancipated and continue to be violated and discriminated against. The South African Royal Princesses’ Network is committed to the promotion of gender equality and human rights, as well as the protection of women and girls from GBV,” said Sigcau.
She added that the network was also committed to creating awareness and in playing an active role in the fight against GBV through strengthening partnerships, co-ordinations and programmes to protect women and girls from GBV.
She said they were disturbed and troubled by the recent event involving the manhandling and physical abuse of Rulashe by male security personnel at the Amathole District Municipality offices.
“We condemn the ill-treatment and abuse of Rulashe in its entirety. Nobody deserves to be treated this way. Nobody deserves this indignity and humiliation. Despite efforts to address GBV by government and various stakeholders, the cases continue to rise, amounting in the failure to protect women and girls against GBV.”
She said they called upon government to continue to condemn violence and inequality against women and to challenge the normalisation of violence against women.
Sigcau II added that they called on the government to challenge gender stereotypes and roles.
“We call upon all institutions to continue to strengthen internal measures and policies to protect women, create awareness and fight GBV,” she added.
