Activists Push for Urgent Action as GBVF Declared a National Disaster
A 15-minute silent lay-down honours victims of gender-based violence and calls for urgent action
image: Internet
by Kelebogile Matlou
Activists are urging the South African government to address the root causes of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which was declared a national disaster last week. An important conference on Friday will define how civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will participate in a coordinated national response, as well as how the government intends to execute remedies.
Activists have warned that the proclamation is meaningless without concrete action to address the root causes of GBVF, which include unemployment, poverty, and financial inequality. Women for Change claims it did not expect the national disaster designation to occur before the activists’ planned silent nationwide shutdown.
According to spokesperson Cameron Kasambala, the crisis requires the quick execution of current rules and procedures.
“What we expect to see is increased transparency in reports and audits that show exactly how funding will be allocated to implement the national strategic plan effectively. We demand greater implementation of current legislation, such as the Sexual Harassment Act, as well as the formation of a multi-ministerial, civil society, and private sector commission to look into the various issues affecting individuals,” says Kasambala.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government said this year’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign will focus on collective action by men, women, boys, and girls to eradicate GBVF. The province has welcomed the national disaster categorization and claims to have enhanced Rapid Response Teams in municipalities to increase coordination and victim assistance services.
Khuselwa Rantjie, the provincial spokesperson, says the program will begin on Tuesday. “In line with the classification, the provincial government will strengthen support for existing GBVF response structures and intensify its efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” according to Rantjie.