15 Ways South Africa is Leading the Way in Preventing Gender-Based Violence
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With the recent release of the fourth United Nations ( UN ) report on monitoring gender-based violence, covering the period from January to June 2018, a renewed focus has been on how countries are working to tackle this pandemic. The research reveals that while some positive steps have been taken in many countries, there is still much left to be done to reach global targets for 2030. As South Africa observes Women’s Month this August, we look at 15 ways our country is leading the way to end gender-based violence.
The Women’s Protection and Equality Bill
In March 2019, the South African Parliament passed the Women’s Protection and Equality Bill (WPEB) to address the root causes of gender-based violence and promote gender equality. The WPEB will replace the current Combating of Domestic Violence Act (CDVA), which was drafted in 2007 and requires a significant overhaul. The WPEB puts in place various measures to prevent, respond to, and redress gender-based violence and includes a specific focus on violence against women in vulnerable situations such as in the health sector, the workplace, the criminal justice system and prisons. It also emphasizes building leadership skills among women and girls and creating an enabling environment to support their full participation in society. The WPEB will be a significant step towards ending gender-based violence by providing a comprehensive legal framework that is better equipped to protect, support, and empower gender-based violence survivors.
The National Strategy to Address Gender-Based Violence
In October 2014, South Africa adopted the National Strategy to Address Gender-Based Violence (NSGBV), which sets out a comprehensive approach to ending gender-based violence. The NSGBV was developed through extensive consultations with civil society organizations, women’s groups, and members of communities most affected by gender-based violence. It serves as a key guiding document for all government departments, ministries, and stakeholders committed to ending gender-based violence. The NSGBV targets ending all forms of GBV by 2030 and outlines four strategic action areas necessary to achieve this. Firstly, it emphasizes the need to strengthen the response to GBV by supporting the institutional and legislative framework. Secondly, it highlights the importance of prevention and early intervention. Thirdly, it focuses on building sustainable livelihoods and creating opportunities to help end poverty. Lastly, it acknowledges the importance of building resilience and mobilizing communities to end violence.
A 24-hour national helpline for abused women and children
In March 2018, South Africa launched a 24-hour national helpline for abused women and children, which can be reached at 0800 101 021. This service is a culmination of efforts by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, the Minister of Women in the Presidency, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, and the Commission for Gender Equality. The helpline will provide critical support to survivors of GBV and is an essential step toward strengthening the institutional framework for responding to gender-based violence. It also provides a centralized point of contact for the public to report incidents of gender-based violence. The helpline is operated by trained counsellors who provide emotional and psychological support and connect callers with the appropriate services in their area. It also includes information about shelters and other support services for survivors of GBV.
Zero tolerance for perpetrators of gender-based violence in the armed forces
Since 2014, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has implemented a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual offenders in the Military. Since the implementation of this policy, 341 members of the Military have been convicted of sexual offences against women and children, and 152 of these individuals have been dismissed from service. These figures are taken from a 2017 report by the Minister of Women in the Presidency in collaboration with the Minister of Defence and the SANDF on implementing the Sexual Offences and Disciplinary Measures Policy. This policy has proven to be a crucial step toward ending sexual violence in the Military, as it sends a strong message that perpetrators of sexual violence will not be tolerated and can expect severe consequences for their actions. Furthermore, this policy also grants survivors of sexual violence access to a comprehensive range of support services, such as counselling, healthcare, and legal assistance. The policy also provides for the establishment of the Military Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Committee, which is made up of senior military officials who are responsible for monitoring and reviewing cases of sexual violence.
Increased support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse
In July 2017, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services launched the Survivors of Sexual Abuse (SoSA) project, which aims to extend support services to survivors of sexual abuse across the country. The project is implemented in partnership with the South African Police Service, the Department of Social Development, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Commission for Gender Equality. The project has established 50 SoSA centres across the country that provide free and confidential services to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. These services include counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and psychosocial support. Furthermore, the SoSA project has also established a single centralized intake point where survivors can access these services. The project has also trained police officers, Department of Social Development staff, and others who interact with survivors of sexual violence on how to assist these individuals appropriately. The SoSA project is an important intervention that will extend much-needed support services to survivors of sexual abuse across the country and is an essential step toward improving support for survivors.
As of 2020, all new public transport is wheelchair accessible.
South Africa has made significant progress in terms of accessibility, and this includes a commitment to make all new public transport accessible. At the end of 2017, the Department of Transport published the Draft National Transport Accessibility Regulations, which commits the department to ensure that all new public transport is fully accessible by 2020. The regulations also include a commitment to retrofitting existing public transport with accessibility features, with a 30% target to be reached by 2023 and a 50% target to be achieved by 2025. The proposed regulations are crucial to ensure that disabled individuals can access public transport and other public spaces. Furthermore, the commitment to retrofitting existing vehicles is also significant, as it will require vehicle owners to make the necessary investments to make their vehicles fully accessible. The proposed regulations will also require private companies to adhere to accessibility standards when constructing new buildings and are a positive step towards creating a more inclusive society.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of gender-based violence worldwide is a cause for significant concern. Gender-based violence is a threat to individual lives and global progress, as it inhibits women’s ability to participate fully in society. South Africa has made considerable progress toward ending gender-based violence, but much remains to be done. To achieve global targets and end gender-based violence by 2030, countries must work towards strengthening their institutional frameworks for responding to and preventing GBV and providing critical support services to survivors of GBV.
