Issued by: Department of Justice
OPEN COURT DAY FOR WOMEN - 7 MARCH 1997
To celebrate International Women's Day the Magistrates Courts are throwing open their doors to women on Friday 7 March. Women are invited to visit their local courts where information will be available about their rights on such issues as maintenance and family violence interdicts.
The Department of Justice is very proud of this part of its Campaign on Preventing Violence Against Women and has been thrilled by the enthusiasm of the magistrates.
Co-ordinator of the National Network on Violence Against Women, Ms Mmabatho Ramagoshi expressed the Network's support for the Open Day because it empowers women. "The Network appreciates this initiative of the Department to make the courts more accessible and user-friendly." Many people working in organisations within the Network will be at courts tomorrow to speak to women about their rights and the legal system.
Prominent MP and member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Improving the Quality of Life and Status of Women in South Africa, Ms Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini, described the importance of courts being involved in preventing violence against women. "This is an issue which must be dealt with by society as a whole and not just women. Courts play a critical role and opening the courts to women on the eve of International Women's Day is a step in the right direction. Now the courts must be open to all women on all days to claim their rights."
This view was echoed by Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo from the South African Law Commission. "The Open Courts Day is an opportunity for attitudes to change not only amongst women, but also amongst men. In the past women have found the legal system intimidating and unfriendly. Large numbers of women visiting the courts on Friday will show officials that the courts must change the way women are treated."
Ms Judi Fortuin, Health Sector Representative on the National NGO Coalition, applauded the action. "All possible efforts must be made to eradicate violence against women. It is a huge drain on the public health budget yet it is entirely preventable if attitudes and behavior change."
Encapsubating women's experiences of the justice system, Chief Justice I Mahomed of the Appeal Court explained, "Women have historically been the victims of massive injustice, orginating in and perpetrated by a menacing combination of irrational prejudice and social mythology, both plainly inconsistent with the values of the new Constitution. It is crucial to articulate this truth and to deal with its continuing consequences for our nation."
The Department looks forward to a successful day and hopes that lots of women take up the invitation to attend court and begin the process of learning about their rights.
ENQUIRIES: ZELDA MOLETSANE TEL: (012) 315 1111
6 March 1997