Over 1.3 million women abused in SA – Urgent calls to combat GBV
Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Build One SA (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane have put forward strategies to address the GBV crisis in South Africa.
A recent study on gender-based violence (GBV) has unveiled alarming figures, showing that nearly 40% of women in South Africa experience physical or sexual abuse. The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) released the findings of their first national study on gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa on 18 November 2024.
According to the study, over 1.3 million women were physically abused over a period of 12 months. These forms of attacks have also been reported among children.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is from 25 November 2024 to 10 December 2024. It is under the theme “30 years of advancing collective action to end violence against women and children.” Some political leaders have since proposed plans to help reduce the GBV scourge.
DEPUTY PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE’S PROPOSED PLANS TO FIGHT GBV
The first leader who aims to help deal with the GBV crisis is Deputy President Paul Mashatile. He has come up with a few ways to combat abuse and GBV as a whole. One of them being the use of technology, according to ITWeb Mashatile explained:
“Let us not forget that technology can be a force for good. It has the potential to save lives, connect victims and survivors to support, and hold perpetrators accountable in ways that were previously unimaginable.
“From using mobile apps that provide immediate support to victims and survivors, to artificial intelligence that can help us understand and curb the pandemic, the potential is vast. Mobile apps, including helplines and emergency response systems, provide a direct link to safety, offering quick access to shelters, medical care and legal assistance.
“In South Africa, initiatives such as the GBV Command Centre − a 24/7 digital and telephonic support service − have proven instrumental in helping victims and survivors. We must leverage these advancements to enhance our prevention strategies, improve our response mechanisms and ensure no one is left behind.”
MMUSI MAIMANE ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF SEXUAL OFFENDERS
Another political leader who calls for certain changes to happen in society to end GBV is Mmusi Maimane. Build One SA’s (BOSA) Mmusi Maimane propses the National Register of Sexual Offenders to be made public. Maimane started a petition to garner support from the public for his cause. His petition already has over 12 000 signatures.