Grantmaking, Social Development
Fighting gender-based violence: a suggested approach for social investors
20 October 2010
Well developed prevention programmes will ultimately help to prevent gender-based violence.
Within the framework of the Constitution, South Africa has a range of gender equitable laws that deal with the issue of violence against women, notably the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act. Furthermore, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act aims to fulfil the right of equality for all. The Ministry for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities was established to ensure that gender issues are mainstreamed throughout all government departments.
South Africa has also accepted and ratified the Millennium Development Goals (with specific reference to: Gender Equality, and Maternal Health) and the Beijing Conference “œto advance the goals of equality, development and peace for women everywhere” which are landmarks in the gender sector internationally and in South Africa.
In spite of all of this, the incidence of sexual violence in South Africa is alarming, protection is limited and perpetrators often enjoy impunity. South Africa has some of the highest sexual violence statistics in the world.
Marginalised women, such as lesbians, gay women, transgender persons, bisexual, women with disabilities, HIV positive women and refugee women are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence. While there are no reliable figures for sexual violence against these marginalised groups, the figures are estimated to be high. Not only are women with disabilities particularly vulnerable to abuse; but gender-based violence may also result in disability.
To date, a great deal of corporate social investment (CSI) funding in South Africa has been directed towards support and care (such as shelters, legal services for women). While these services are critically important; equally important and under-supported and under-developed is the prevention of gender-based violence. Well developed prevention programmes will ultimately help to prevent gender-based violence.
Tshikululu Social Investments’ CSI practitioners Elinor Kern and Hangwi Manavhela have compiled a paper detailing a three-pronged strategy that approaches this goal.
The results of this study are available on our website in the Research section of our Media Centre.
Please note that information contained in any of these documents may not be republished without due acknowledgement being given to Tshikululu.
Comment posted by Daniel Pediwe Sape
With few days left in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children Abuse, what programmes are there to empower women – especially within Jhb Ctrl CBD? I have 35 youth members in SAPS Jhb Ctrl wanting to embark on a campaign in view of the coming event. How can we engage you to make them effectively participating and leading this campaign? Reachable also on 0833657311.
Comment posted by Elinor
Dear Daniel
Thank you for your interest in the 16 days of Activism!
Sonke Gender Justice is planning to do activities with SAPS during the 16 Days of Activism.
Please be in touch with Angelica Pino
tel: +27 11 339 3589 x 203
fax: +27 11 339 6503
email: angelica@genderjustice.org.za
website: http://www.genderjustice.org.za
All the best, Elinor
Comment posted by Joy Anderson
The Lower South Coast of KZN needs talks, workshops, and help. Our rural polulation here are in urgent need of Social Assistance in dealing with Gender Violence and Rapes.
Please contact me for more detail 072-953-0038
Comment posted by Joy Anderson
I omitted to mention our Port Edward CPF Sub Forums have youngster who are interested in being trained as Social Workers and then to be based here within their own domain.
They too are threatened just by being members of the CPF Sub Forums. We need urgent assistance here.
Please contact me 072-953-0038 or 039-319-2162
Comment posted by Dave
Joy, are you aware of the work already existing on the lower south cast with regards to gender violence and rape? More social workers are not going to solve the problem. I would advise you to network with local ngo’s and forums such as the District VE forum at Port Shepstone SAPS, or the gender forum or child rights forum at UGU