TIMES PROMOTES GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: UNACCEPTABLE
PETITION
We the undersigned take the strongest exception to the article “Women are the Worst Abusers,” Dec. 9, 2012, Times Sunday.
The article incites hatred, and breaches human rights, journalistic ethics and good taste. Calling the brave women who flee from abusive husbands “bitches” is simply unacceptable.
The article also justifies the murder of 32 women by David Simelane, saying he had a “resentment towards women” because he served a prison term for a rape he says he never committed. The author states, “There are many cases we can quote as proof that most abuse against women is usually aggravated by women themselves.” Unsubstantiated, incendiary language like this is deeply offensive and cannot be tolerated.
Cebile Henwood-Manzini, Director of the Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) notes, “Some men express fear, disgust and hatred of women, often in the way of undermining their human rights.” The writer of this article in the Times is obviously a good example and must be stopped.
The Times’ Publisher and his editorial team must apologize for this gross lapse in judgment in publishing such hateful views and take positive measures to make sure such a mistake does not happen again. If you agree that it is unacceptable, please sign the petition below.
SWAGAA, on behalf of the broader civil society, invites you to join this important campaign to stop the publication of hate speech.
Already the following organizations have signed this petition and urge all their members and all those who care for justice and human rights to also do so:
· Swaziland Coalition of Concerned Civic Organizations
· CANGO
· Swaziland Concerned Church Leaders
· SNAT
· Swaziland Positive Living
· Swaziland Agricultural Producers Union (SAPU)
Here's the link to the article:
http://www.times.co.sz/In-my-Opinion/82488.html
