Despite three decades of efforts, statistics on violence against women and children remain deeply troubling.
A third of women in South Africa – one out of three women – are victims of domestic violence.
Every eight hours, a woman is killed by her intimate partner. South Africa’s femicide rate is nearly five times the global average. Globally, up to 38% of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners, and as many as 45% of adolescent girls report that their first sexual experience was forced.
This is according to the integrated annual report by the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund.
As South Africans mark the 30th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, we are reminded of both our progress and the challenging journey ahead.
This campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December, continues to shine a spotlight on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV).
The National Business Initiative’s report on GBV and the private sector reveals that only 28% of senior management roles in South Africa are held by women, a figure that has only increased by 2% since 2004. Additionally, South African women earn 23% less than men.
This year, the campaign’s theme focuses on addressing the root causes of GBV and femicide.
It emphasises promoting positive masculinity, gender equity, and creating more economic opportunities for women and children. The goal is to encourage involvement from every social sphere.
Call to action
As a community, we must become active bystanders. It is imperative to speak up when we witness something wrong. Turning a blind eye only perpetuates this pandemic.
We need to act by not protecting abusers but rather reporting them. We must be supportive of GBV victims and seek personal help to change harmful behaviours such as alcohol and substance abuse.
Teaching our children the values of gender equality and protecting them from exposure to violence and harmful content on the internet and social media is crucial.
Recognising abuse
Be aware of the early warning signs of abuse:
- over-the-top affection intensity;
- irrational jealousy;
- violent anger;
- escalating fear and name-calling;
- blaming the victim for everything;
- controlling what you wear;
- isolating you from others;
- sabotaging your responsibilities; and
- using alcohol as an excuse for poor behaviour.
True love does not manifest through abuse, beatings, or verbal assault. Love never hurts.
We must ensure that our relationships are built on respect and support each other, not just for the coming 16 days but for all 365 days of the year.
We need to amplify the campaign’s reach and spread awareness every single day.
If you or someone you know is affected by GBV, reach out to Famsa for support, guidance, and counselling.
- Contact Famsa on 053-723-1564.
