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The lived reality for women in South Africa is they get turned away at our police stations. They are told that domestic violence is a family matter. They are sent from one office to another. If they do actually get someone willing to open their case, the case files disappear into delay
ACTION SOCIETY

South Africa’s safety net for women and children has holes

The lived reality for women in South Africa is they get turned away at our police stations. They are told that domestic violence is a family matter. They are sent from one office…

  • Juanita du Preez
6 min read
The acquittal of televangelist Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused has shocked everyone. Photo: Lulama Zenzile/Gallo Images
CHURCH

Omotoso’s acquittal points to weaknesses in the police and justice system

How many more women have to experience sexual violence before we can see a fundamental change?

  • Mpho Nyamathe
4 min read
Saying no to the decriminalisation of sex work does not defend the dignity of any adult who chooses to sell sexual services.
ADULT PROSTITUTION REPORT

The government is finally listening to sex workers

They need to be able to work in a legal system that does not punish them for making a living

  • Rebecca Walker
  • Jayne Arnott
  • Megan Lessing
  • Constance Mathe
  • Sally Shackleton
10 min read
Despite strong legislation, South Africa is failing to address its unacceptable rates of woman abuse. (Nardus Engelbrecht/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
FEMICIDE

Tackling gender-based violence and femicide requires collective effort

Government and civil society need to listen to those who are most at risk to ensure policies are effective

  • Phinah Kodisang
9 min read
The lived reality for women in South Africa is they get turned away at our police stations. They are told that domestic violence is a family matter. They are sent from one office to another. If they do actually get someone willing to open their case, the case files disappear into delay
COMMISSION FOR GENDER EQUALITY

No progress on GBV council after more than R120mn donated, parliament told

The gender commission is unsure whether a governing body exists for the multi-billion National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide

  • Eunice Masson
4 min read
Roots Butchery in Acornhoek where Gloria Sekome and Danboy Nkuna both worked. (Dylan Bush)
ACORNHOEK

‘None of us are okay’: Frustration as South Africa’s GBV initiatives stall

SA is in a rush to roll out its national GBV action plan. But as bureaucracy and the pandemic slow progress, violence against women continues unabated

  • Joan Van Dyk
15 min read
The lived reality for women in South Africa is they get turned away at our police stations. They are told that domestic violence is a family matter. They are sent from one office to another. If they do actually get someone willing to open their case, the case files disappear into delay
COMMISSION FOR GENDER EQUALITY

No council yet for gender-based violence — independent report details why

The interim steering committee tasked with setting up a gender-based violence and femicide structure has not been convened for almost two years

  • Eunice Masson
2 min read
​A gender violence robot
CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

State, private sector launch gender-based violence fund

Funded by the private sector, the government will be able to ‘scale up’ initiatives against this second pandemic

  • Eunice Masson
3 min read