The Acting Minister in the Ministry of Gender and Youth Sports and Recreation says the Ministry has successfully engaged in national activities to sensitise the community about 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence.

Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing was speaking at the official closure of the 16 days Campaign of Activism Against Gender Violence at Manthabiseng Convention Centre on Monday.

Mr. Metsing said there is need for people to report violence not only during the 16 days period, but throughout the year as it is a criminal offence to engage in continuous acts of violence.

He said as part of the activities to sensitise the community on the campaign, the ministry engaged men and women in different forums, public gatherings, dramas and workshops to disseminate messages that discourage abuse during the 16 days of Activism in all the districts.

He applauded the media for actively participating to raise awareness and deliver messages that help people to identify different forms of abuse and reaching all community groups including people with disabilities.

The minister however urged the public to look back and shy away from all practices that perpetuate gender based violence in the coming year.

The campaign started on November 25 with an official launch in Thaba-Tseka.

The 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign that stems from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991.

Source: LENA 10/12/2007