I don't know that stopping the rapes of babies is managable in a set of steps or discrete actions - it's too embedded in pre-existing norms of relations between men and women, of norms of 'rights' of male sexual access to women (and girls) and then strengthened by any myths which are current so the task is huge. Steps can be taken to try to stem the tide...however, really fundamental shifts have to be made in gender relations.
That task faces all of us.... Thought you might like to see (if you have not already) the article below. There needs to be other high profile players make high profile statements but of course the real work is at family, school, workplace etc level. Purna Purna Sen Visiting Research Fellow CSGG LSE -----Original Message----- http://allafrica.com/stories/200112060673.html Stop the "Sex With Virgins" Aids Myth South African Press Association (Johannesburg) December 6, 2001 Pretoria The ongoing myth that having sex with virgins could cure HIV/Aids was an atrocity which negatively affected the image of the country, Correctional Services Minister Ben Skosana said in Pretoria on Thursday. "Raping a little girl will not change anyone's HIV/Aids status,...all that will remain is a child who is scarred for life apart from being infected by this deadly disease." The minister was speaking at a graduation ceremony at Zonderwater Training College. About 390 students received certificates after undergoing basic training to become prison warders. Skosana said: "I condemn these senseless acts, which in some cases are perpetrated by people who are old enough to be grandfathers. The very people who are expected to provide sanctuary and security for little children are at the forefront of these atrocious acts." He said it was more disconcerting to realise that even some priests had been involved in the molestation of children. "(Some) men of the cloth have become men of flesh and it is very disturbing." Skosana declared his support for a government programme "16 days of activism and no violence against women" taking place up to December 10. He called upon all members of his department to join hands and fight crime and violence perpetrated against women and children. Skosana congratulated the prison warder graduates for their achievement. "This college is a crucial entry point for all of you who are committing yourselves to the policies of our department which include the rehabilitation of prisoners and restorative justice. "Having completed the theoretical phase of basic training, you will now be expected to receive practical training in your various management areas. We are not committing you to basic training only-bursaries for further studies will be available." Skosana said his department had been gravely concerned about the lack of community involvement in the parole system. "This situation prompted us to consider amending the Correctional Services Act to provide for representations to be made to the parole board, either by the victim in person or by a representative of the victim." The minister said a new parole board would include two permanent members from the community, representatives of the departments of justice and correctional services, and the SA Police Service. The board would start its work next year, Skosana said. ***End-violence is sponsored by UNIFEM and receives generous support from ICAP*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe end-violence OR type: unsubscribe end-violence Archives of previous End-violence messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/end-violence/hypermail/
