The much derided department of women has put its foot in its mouth again, this time as part of its 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children campaign. But honestly, we’re not even surprised any more.
The department, which is widely regarded as being generally useless when it comes to championing women’s issues, is known for its misguided social media moves.
@NattyGov @Dept_of_Women What have they done this time?
— Lauren Hess (@LaurenH_ZA) December 8, 2015
So what did it do? On Tuesday, the department of women, which is now situated within the presidency, tweeted a graphic reading “ziRight iiGirls?”
pic.twitter.com/6Jc2yBbymA — Department of Women (@Dept_of_Women) December 8, 2015
The term translates loosely as “Are the girls alright?” but is a play on the culture of older men buying drinks for girls in clubs. It’s also been read as mocking the Xhosa accent.
Clearly, the department didn’t know what the hell it was tweeting about.
How, is a phrase used to facilitate platforms for violence against women in clubs now championing #16daysOfActivism? http://t.co/zWFWf9OTsR
— Nov’ (@NoLimitsNova) December 8, 2015
How old are the people in the Dept. Of Women? That faux pas feels like old people who misinterpret slang trying to be down and use it wrong. — North Saint (@MaddGOAT) December 8, 2015
Clearly, expecting the department to be sensitive to gender-specific issues like discrimination, sexual harassment or rape during these 16 days is too much to ask. Instead we get a bit of lechery.
Dept of Women just keeps carrying on with their dubious campaigns like pic.twitter.com/y5OFV0hFN4 — Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) December 8, 2015
Because the sentiment behind the tweet had nothing to do with women’s empowerment and everything to do with disrespecting women.
Dept of Women does the most in terms of ukdelela. http://t.co/sRv4k7V8Bz — Wednesday Addams (@PrincessMarcia0) December 8, 2015
Some asked whether an apology was forthcoming …
I hope you are currently typing an apology @Dept_of_Women @DivasANC @MbalulaFikile @SakinaKamwendo @PublicProtector @ANCWomensLeague — Nhlonipho (@Nipho_Reserved) December 8, 2015
But given the department’s track record, we don’t recommend holding your breath.
