South Africa Declares Gender-Based Violence a National Disaster
South Africa has designated violence against women as a national disaster following widespread protests and an online campaign. This decision comes amid alarming rates of gender-based violence, with up to 15 women murdered daily across the country.
Nationwide Protests
On Friday, citizens were encouraged to participate in a “shutdown” by stepping away from economic activities for a day and lying down for 15 minutes at noon in remembrance of the women who lose their lives to violence each day. The protest saw participation across 15 major cities, including Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. In solidarity, neighbouring nations such as Eswatini, Kenya, and Namibia also expressed support.
Participants dressed in black as a symbol of mourning and resistance. The demonstrations, known as the G20 Women’s Shutdown, were organised by the group Women for Change, which has led an online campaign raising awareness for gender-based violence. Many people, including celebrities, changed their social media profiles to purple, a colour associated with this movement.
Government Response
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) recently upgraded the status of gender-based violence and femicide to a national disaster after reviewing reports from various organisations. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa stated that the change was made after assessing the ongoing life-threatening risks posed by such violence.
Notably, this classification enables government departments to utilise their budgets toward implementing necessary measures to combat the issue. If progress remains unsatisfactory, the government may declare a national state of disaster, intensifying its response.
Background on Gender-Based Violence in South Africa
Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue in South Africa, with rates of female homicides five times higher than the global average, according to UN Women. In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged gender-based violence and femicide as a national crisis, yet many have voiced concerns about a lack of tangible government action since then.
Women for Change’s spokesperson, Cameron Kasambala, remarked that although numerous promising policies have been introduced, they have often lacked proper implementation and transparency. “We’ve integrated violence into our culture,” she shared, emphasising the urgent need for governmental action to alter societal norms surrounding violence.
Community Initiatives and Individual Actions
In response to the ongoing violence, some women have taken measures into their own hands. Lynette Oxeley founded a group called Girls on Fire, which aims to empower women through firearms training. Though it’s legal to possess a firearm in South Africa for self-defence with a valid licence, the choice to bear arms is viewed as a last resort.
Members of this initiative often include those who have experienced violence firsthand. For example, participant Prudence shared her traumatic experience of being raped and noted the ongoing challenges in seeking justice within the current legal system. “It isn’t just a police problem; it is a national problem,” she emphasised, highlighting the collective struggle faced by women.
Although Oxeley advocates for self-defence training, she underscores the importance of changing societal perceptions of women. “Stop being silent,” she instructed potential participants in the training. “Even if you do not win the fight, at least you are fighting back.”
Conclusion
This recent classification by the South African government has sparked renewed discussions on the urgent need for action regarding gender-based violence. The protests and subsequent declarations may signify a turning point in addressing a deeply entrenched issue that affects countless lives.
