South Africa not only holds the shameful distinction of being one of the most unsafe places in the world to be a woman, but also counts amongst the countries with the highest rates of intimate partner violence.
Following Africa’s first-ever Gender Summit in November 2018, the South African government declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national crisis in 2019.
“The unacceptably high levels of GBVF in South Africa are a blight on our national conscience, and a betrayal of our constitutional order for which so many fought; for which so many gave their lives,” Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa said in 2019 with the introduction of the GBVF National Strategic Plan (GBVF-NSP).
“Women and girls are being abused, assaulted and murdered in our country every day at the hands of men. We are in the throes of a deep crisis that must be brought to a decisive end.”
To free South Africa from GBV directed at women, children and LGBTQIA+ persons, the GBVF-NSP focuses on six key pillars to bring about changes over the next ten years. The six pillars are:
- accountability, coordination and leadership;
- prevention of such crimes and rebuilding of social cohesion;
- protection, safety and justice;
- response, care, support and healing;
- economic power; and
- research and information systems.
Since the establishment of GBVF-NSP, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has been spearheading the localisation process. Although the legislation is still not finalised, implementation is being coordinated by representatives of government, civil society and the private sector.
This is South Africa’s single largest volunteer network where those working in the GBVF field can come together to strategise, plan and align activities with the outcomes of the GBVF-NSP.
100-Day Challenges
As an extension of the work of the GBVF-NSP, 100-Day Challenges have been created to fast-track the localisation of the outcomes, says Candice Ludick, communications coordinator of these challenges.
A leadership design session took place at the Kimberley City Hall on Thursday, 10 February.
Facilitated by the Pillar 1 GBVF-NBSP ambassador team, the main focus of this session was on accountability and leadership.
The focus area for this challenge looks at swift action after GBV; prompt responses to all GBVF-related issues using a range of media platforms; the implementation of sexual harassment policies; accountability for lack of delivery; and rapid response structures at community level and local platforms.
According to Ludick, 100-Day Challenges are structured journeys for frontline teams and leaders.
“It shows what is possible, and sets the stage for moving towards long-term strategic goals.”
The ambassador team consists of system leaders, mentors, team leaders and ambassadors.
Ludick says it is hoped that other organisations will join this national network.
- Those in need of help can contact the 24-hour toll-free Shelter Helpline on 0800-001-005, or send an SMS, WhatsApp message or Please Call Me to 082-057-8600, 082-058-2215 or 072-230-7147. An email can also be sent to infohelpline@womenscentre.co.za.
- Those interested in volunteering can visit gbvf.org.za.
