Each year, South Africa joins the world in the United Nations campaign, the 16 Days of Activism: No Violence Against Women, that takes place annually between 25 November (International Day of No Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Due to the high rate of child abuse in South Africa, the government runs a parallel campaign that includes issues relating to violence against children. In 2008, The Foundation for Human Rights mandated that a focus should be on the empowerment of the non-profit organisations in South Africa that provide vital services to those affected by violence. These organisations are typically out of public view and this campaign would highlight their work and funding requirements.
Recognising the importance of this mandate, The Foschini Group – which has supported the campaign for four years – joins forces with SAfm (104-107fm) with a unique concept that not only empowers organisations through donations, but guarantees them the vital media exposure to highlight their services and detail their needs to the South African public and business community.
Kicking off on the 25th November, twenty non-profit organisations will be receiving a donation from The Foschini Group and sixteen of these shall be interviewed on weekdays until the 10th December by presenter, Nancy Richards on SAfm’s Otherwise programme from 13:05-14:00.
Says Richards: “Otherwise looks at what women are up to right around the country - and sometimes the world. With the level of violence against women and children in this country being what it is, as a broadcaster, we are supporting organisations fulfilling a vital need by giving them a national voice to tell South African’s what is required, what is going on, and what we can all do to help.”
Says Karde Buys, Senior HR Manager: CSI & Wellness of The Foschini Group: “Of fundamental importance to us is to partner with government in spreading the message that violence again women and children cannot be tolerated. It has no place in our community, in our country or the world. It has also given us the opportunity to highlight the critical work done by the NGOs dealing with the terrible consequences of violence on women and children.”
Mpho Msiza, Marketing Manager, SAfm concludes saying: “SAfm is proud to be in partnership with The Foschini Group to build awareness and engage in conversation around this campaign of national interest. The 16 Days of Activism against women and children is an initiative that the station takes seriously and SAfm commits to support and effect change in behaviour and attitude around this debilitating situation. This campaign allows our station to continue to empower women and South African citizens and we hope to take this association to even greater heights next year.”
Contact Information:MANGO-OMCNicole Capperwww.mango-omc.com tel: 021 461 9244mobile: 073 148 3561email:nicole@mango-omc.com