Widespread concern about the government’s inaction in the face of gender-based violence - brought to a head by the murder of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana in August - prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce on September 18 that a national strategic plan would be drawn up.
The emergency plan is an interim step. It aims to:
- improve access to justice for survivors of GBV;
- introduce programmes to change norms and behaviours;
- provide a more urgent response for victims and survivors of GBV;
- increase accountability for perpetrators; and
- find ways to improve economic opportunities for women in order to reduce their economic vulnerability.
Among other interventions are the establishment of shelters that are inclusive for the LGBTIQ+ community and for people with disabilities; the creation of a therapeutic training programme for support for children and families affected by sexual abuse; and the creation of victim support service legislation that will be submitted to cabinet by March.
“There has been a systemic problem with how the state works and how citizens and the nation at large interface with the system,” said Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, co-chair of the interim steering committee on gender-based violence and femicide.
“One of the things that can make the system work is to start holding people accountable.”
A press statement released by the committee last week noted that a second draft of the bigger National Strategic Plan would be submitted to Cabinet next month.
Emergency plan announced to halt violence against women
Image: Gallo Images / Beeld / Jaco Marais
The department of social development has released details of its emergency plan to address gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
In a presentation on Wednesday to the parliamentary committee overseeing the government response to gender-based violence and femicide, the department listed a number of programmes that will be rolled out in coming weeks. These include:
The department’s presentation also revealed that increased funding will be allocated to NGOs that provide support and services to survivors and children.
Toxic masculinity and misogyny bedrocks of all-boys schools
Widespread concern about the government’s inaction in the face of gender-based violence - brought to a head by the murder of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana in August - prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce on September 18 that a national strategic plan would be drawn up.
The emergency plan is an interim step. It aims to:
Among other interventions are the establishment of shelters that are inclusive for the LGBTIQ+ community and for people with disabilities; the creation of a therapeutic training programme for support for children and families affected by sexual abuse; and the creation of victim support service legislation that will be submitted to cabinet by March.
“There has been a systemic problem with how the state works and how citizens and the nation at large interface with the system,” said Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, co-chair of the interim steering committee on gender-based violence and femicide.
“One of the things that can make the system work is to start holding people accountable.”
A press statement released by the committee last week noted that a second draft of the bigger National Strategic Plan would be submitted to Cabinet next month.
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