- Society still has a long way to go to curb the scourge of gender-based violence, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- The annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence kicks off on Wednesday.
- Ramaphosa says eradicating gender-based violence is a moral and human rights imperative.
South Africa and the world still have a long way to go to live in a place free of sexism, discrimination and violence against women and girls, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter on Monday.
The president's message comes ahead of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence that kicks off on Wednesday and runs until International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
"Despite our best efforts as the international community, as national governments and as civil society, gender-based violence remains a feature of the lives of millions of women and girls around the world. The reality is that legislative and policy measures instituted by governments cannot alone rid us of this problem," Ramaphosa said.
He said the 16 Days of Activism campaign affirmed the need for all sectors of society to play their part in the fight against gender-based violence.
"It is up to us all, as individuals and communities, to bring about the change we so sorely need. It is about driving fundamental change in societal attitudes that allow sexism, chauvinism and patriarchy to thrive."
Invaluable work recognised
Ramaphosa acknowledged the invaluable work being done by those outside government to combat gender-based violence, such as volunteers, social workers, counsellors as well as friends, neighbours and co-workers of victims.
"This country's women and children, and indeed all the people of South Africa, will forever remain grateful for the work of our robust, activist and principled civil society organisations and workers.
"Beyond its devastating effects on the health, safety and well-being of women and girls, this insidious problem has significant social, political and economic impacts."
Economic impact of GBV
Ramaphosa said, according to a 2017 study, the economic cost of gender-based violence in South Africa was between R28 billion and R42.4 billion a year. This included the social services, shelter and healthcare needed to respond effectively to gender-based violence.
"Individuals and families bear the greatest proportion of costs – from reduced income to replacement of broken property, to transportation to seek care or attend trial. Furthermore, the productivity of women in abusive relationships is also negatively affected."
He said there was also the second-generation impact, such as the cost of services for children and others who were affected.
"It is clear then that not only is eradicating gender-based violence a moral and human rights imperative, it is also key to us realising our developmental potential as a country.
"Let us continue in the spirit of mutual respect and partnership to make this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign one that is impactful and that makes a difference. By the time the campaign concludes on International Human Rights Day, let us be all the closer to achieving a society in which the rights of women and girls are upheld and protected," Ramaphosa said.
Read the president's full newsletter here.