Real change was needed to clamp down on GBV - One Billion Rising SA
Women's Month is drawing to a close and while it traditionally serves as a time to celebrate achievements and inclusivity, experts say it's also important to focus on the alarming rate of crimes against women across South Africa.
The late Deveney Nel. Picture: Facebook/Keep the Energy
CAPE TOWN - An organisation fighting gender-based violence (GBV) said that instead of empty promises and lip service from government, real change was needed to clamp down on the scourge.
Women's Month is drawing to a close and while it traditionally serves as a time to celebrate achievements and inclusivity, experts say it's also important to focus on the alarming rate of crimes against women across South Africa.
One Billion Rising SA activist, Tanya Bippert, said that the murder of 16-year-old Caledon learner, Deveney Nel, had cast a shadow on Women's Month and shone the spotlight on gender-based violence once again.
She said that too many victims lived in fear and faced physical, emotional and psychological abuse.
"The backlog in forensics, understaffing of key community services, budget cuts and a lack of resources are just a few issues that make the fight against GBV nearly impossible."
Shortly after the teenage girl was reported missing earlier this month, her body was found in a storeroom at the Overberg High School.
A 17-year-old boy is accused of stabbing her to death.
The learner is being held at a place of safety until he is due back in court on 18 September.