By Zizamele Cebekhulu-Makhaza, President of Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue that has affected millions of women and girls worldwide, with South Africa being no exception. Despite the country’s efforts to tackle the problem, women and girls still face extreme danger and violence, especially in rural areas.
Unfortunately, women in rural areas are at particular risk of experiencing GBV due to various factors, including poverty, lack of education, and limited access to legal protection and justice.
To combat GBV effectively in South Africa, a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the problem is needed. This includes measures such as:
- Empowering Women with Knowledge
This is a critical step towards combating GBV. By providing women with the tools, they need to protect themselves and seek legal protection and justice, we can create a safer and more equitable society for all.
The Safer South Africa Foundation, for example, which was established by the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in 2012, can take steps to empower women with knowledge through various initiatives such as workshops, community dialogues, and presentations with community leaders and men in rural areas, as well as women.
These initiatives aim to educate community leaders on the law and promote women’s rights. Through these efforts, rural women can be empowered with the knowledge of their rights, helping them better protect themselves and seek legal protection and justice in cases of GBV. Women can also be equipped with practical skills, such as self-defence techniques, to help them defend themselves against perpetrators of GBV.
- Ensuring Timely Responsiveness to Reports
A significant challenge in addressing GBV is ensuring timely responsiveness to reports. Victims of GBV often hesitate to report incidents due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in the legal system. However, it is critical to change this narrative and create an environment where victims can report incidents with confidence.
Government and the South African Police Service (SAPS) must ensure that the 10111 call centres are working efficiently, that police are trained to handle cases of GBV, and that there is proper follow-up on reported incidents. By doing so, victims can feel more confident in reporting incidents and receive timely support and protection. Prompt action can also help to prevent further harm to the victim and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice.
- Providing Adequate Resources
This includes ensuring adequate lighting in dark spaces, increasing visible policing, and creating safe routes for women. By ensuring that public spaces are well lit and that there is visible policing in communities, potential perpetrators of GBV are less likely to commit such crimes. Additionally, creating safe routes for women can help them feel more secure when traveling, particularly in areas that are considered high-risk.
- The Role of Community Leaders
Community leaders play a critical role in addressing GBV in South Africa. By working with community leaders and men in rural areas, the Safer South Africa Foundation can promote and protect women’s rights, educate community leaders on the law, and empower rural women with knowledge of their rights.
Community leaders can serve as important advocates for change, spreading awareness of GBV and its negative impact on society. By engaging with community leaders and men in rural areas, the foundation can help to change attitudes towards GBV and promote a culture of respect for women’s rights.
GBV is a critical issue in South Africa, particularly in rural areas. By working together, we can combat GBV and create a society where every woman and girl living in a rural area receives complete protection under the law.