SAMRC Said Enough Programs Exist To Eradicate GBVF In SA

Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) remain significant issues in South Africa. Dr Nwabisa Shai, a specialist scientist at the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Gender and Health Research Unit, asserts that sufficient programmes exist to combat these issues.

This statement aligns with recent calls by Sindisiwe Chikunga, the new Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, for nationwide support in the fight against GBVF.

According to Dr Shai, numerous programmes designed to eradicate GBVF are already in place. These initiatives have been carefully crafted by researchers and social activists, addressing various aspects of GBVF.

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The key to their success is comprehensive support from governmental departments, particularly the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities. Effective implementation of these programmes can significantly reduce the incidence of GBVF.

Dr Shai emphasizes the need for the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities to harness the information gathered by researchers and social activists.

This data is crucial for the effective implementation of GBVF programmes at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs).

The department’s role should include providing support to these organizations, ensuring they have the resources and backing necessary to carry out their activities aimed at ending GBVF.

Despite the availability of these programmes, the scourge of GBVF continues, particularly in regions like Kimberley in the Northern Cape, where women are frequently targets of abuse.

This ongoing issue underscores the importance of not only implementing existing programmes but also continuously evaluating and improving them to address emerging challenges effectively.