Ending GBV starts with all of us

TO THE triple socioeconomic challenges facing South Africa - unemployment, inequality and poverty — must be added an equally distressing fourth: gender-based violence (GBV).

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As the country marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, haunting stories of tragic losses linger in the air, shedding light on the pervasive issue of GBV.

GBV has reached crisis levels, characterised by alarming statistics and deeply entrenched systemic causes rooted in patriarchy, inequality, and a culture of violence.

The female homicide rate is five times the global average, and over a third of women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

This year's theme is “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” which highlights the growing threat of online harassment, image-based abuse and digital coercive control.