By Selinda Phenyo
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has underscored the necessity of a multifaceted approach to tackle the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. Speaking at the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign in Rustenburg, North West, on Monday, Chikunga outlined the government’s renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of GBVF while supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
A Call to Collective Action
This year’s campaign, themed “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children,” seeks to build on past efforts to address GBVF by fostering positive masculinity, gender equity, and economic empowerment for women and children. The sub-theme, “Harnessing Technology and Innovation to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Accelerate a Gender-Inclusive Digital Economy,” focuses on leveraging technology to combat GBVF while ensuring that women and children are not left behind in the digital age.
Chikunga highlighted the historical significance of this year’s campaign, which coincides with:
• 70 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter in 1954.
• 68 years since the iconic Women’s March in 1956.
• 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.
“This campaign calls on all of society to reflect, prevent, and put an end to the systemic, structural, household, and individual factors that perpetuate violence against women and children,” Chikunga said.
The Grim Reality of GBVF in South Africa
The Minister referenced findings from the recently released South African National Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council. The study revealed a shocking reality: an estimated 7.3 million women aged 18 years and older have experienced physical violence in their lifetime.
“Only when our dignity is restored can we hope to end this system of domination and subordination that thrives on exploiting, undervaluing, and violating women as a way of life,” Chikunga stated.
She noted that GBVF is not a random occurrence but rather the result of entrenched societal factors, including:
• Uneven power relations.
• Toxic masculinity.
• Oppressive cultural practices.
• Privileging certain voices over others.
Substance Abuse and GBVF
Chikunga emphasized the link between rising substance abuse and GBVF, stating that alcohol and drug misuse have significantly exacerbated the crisis. Addressing these contributing factors, she said, requires a whole-of-society approach.
Prioritising Economic Empowerment for Women
The Minister also announced a bold plan to prioritize the transfer of land to women over the next five years. She reiterated that land is not only a productive asset but also the foundation of economic empowerment and wealth creation.
“Our campaign demands all hands on deck. It requires political will, adequate resources, and sustained commitment to bring about meaningful change, with increased investment directed toward this critical intervention,” she said.
A Multifaceted Strategy for Change
Chikunga outlined the multifaceted approach required to combat GBVF, which includes:
1. Legal Reforms: Strengthening laws to protect women and children and hold perpetrators accountable.
2. Education Programs: Promoting gender equality and awareness from a young age.
3. Economic Empowerment Initiatives: Ensuring women have access to resources like land, employment, and business opportunities.
4. Community-Based Interventions: Engaging traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful cultural practices and mobilize local action.
The Minister commended the commitment of traditional leaders and the South African Council of Churches, which have partnered with the government in this fight. Recent consultations between the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities and the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders have also reinforced the importance of collaboration in rural communities.
Fostering Positive Masculinity and Cultural Transformation
Chikunga called for a shift in societal attitudes, particularly around masculinity and cultural practices. The campaign aims to dismantle toxic masculinity and promote positive role models for boys and men, encouraging them to be active allies in the fight against GBVF.
Leveraging Technology and Innovation
Under this year’s sub-theme, the campaign also seeks to harness technology to combat GBVF and advance a gender-inclusive digital economy. By leveraging innovative solutions, the government hopes to create safer spaces for women and children, both online and offline.
A Vision for the Future
As South Africa reflects on the progress made over the past 30 years, Chikunga emphasized that much work remains to be done. She urged communities, policymakers, and all sectors of society to unite behind the campaign’s vision of a country free from violence against women and children.
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