Addressing gender-based violence with urgency and unity

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, 2024, marks its 26th anniversary this year. The campaign, aligned with the annual United Nations observance, highlights prevention and economic empowerment as pivotal in fostering financial independence and resilience for women and children.

This year’s theme: Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, emphasises addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), promoting positive masculinity, advancing gender equity, and creating economic opportunities. It highlights the urgency of a whole-of-society approach and multi-sectoral accountability to eradicate GBVF.

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Susan Abro, a renowned family law specialist and former chairperson of the Family Law Committee of the Law Society of South Africa for 20 years, joins the global community in advocating for change. “It is essential for us to unite in highlighting the urgency of addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa,” said Abro.

The global and national context of GBVF: 

Gender-based violence is a prevalent and severe violation of human rights. The UN Secretary-General has aptly stated that we are living through a millennia of patriarchy – where violence against women, including femicide, is at epidemic levels.

Globally, nearly one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The threat is exacerbated in conflict zones, where humanitarian emergencies heighten risks and limit access to essential care for victims. Rape is used as a weapon and has been declared a war crime.

South Africa faces one of the most harrowing GBV crises worldwide. Recent crime statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) revealed a sharp increase in violence against women and children in the first quarter of the 2024 to 2025 financial year. Murders of women rose by 7, 9 percent to 966, attempted murders surged by 16 percent to 1,644, and assault GBH incidents jumped by 69 percent to 13, 757.

Alarmingly, child murders increased by 7, 2 percent to 314, and reported rapes reached 9, 309 cases – with the highest numbers in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape.

“The grim reality of these statistics is a call to action. The violence against women and children is not only a personal tragedy but a national crisis that affects every sector of society. Prevention must be accompanied by economic empowerment to enable independence and resilience. Nothing will change until all men become part of the solution and there is a political will to do so,” Abro explained.

Why a unified approach matters: 

Violence against women transcends cultural, economic, and geographical boundaries. The World Population Review notes that South Africa and Brazil lead the world in rates of violence against women, including sexual violence and intentional homicide.

To combat this, international organisations like the WHO urge all stakeholders to uphold their commitments under international human rights law to protect women and girls and ensure access to essential support services.

Abro added, “Addressing gender-based violence requires collective action from government bodies, NGOs, private sectors, and individuals to bring about lasting, transformative change.”

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A year-round call for action: 

While the 16 Days of Activism campaign serves as a vital annual reminder, it must be seen as a starting point rather than the sole focus. “Real change requires a 365-day commitment from all of us. Addressing gender-based violence must be woven into the fabric of everyday life, supported by consistent advocacy, education, and action. Only through sustained, year-round efforts can we hope to create a society where women and children live in safety and dignity, empowered and free from violence,” concluded Abro.