16 days of activism: SA’s GBV initiatives are only good on paper, says specialist

JOHANNESBURG - With the country set to observe 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, there are mounting calls for the government to address contributing factors to the growing rise in cases.

A recent study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) found that alcohol abuse and poor mental health are among several factors associated with why men commit gender-based violence (GBV).

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A gender specialist said that while the government had established initiatives to deal with violence against women, there was little implementation of those initiatives.

According to the HSRC’s study on GBV, more than seven million or 33% of women have experienced physical violence perpetrated by men in their lifetime.

Gender specialist on violence against women, Lisa Vetten, said this was a cause for concern.

“Firstly, we need to talk about gender norms. Particularly the idea that men have the right to decide what women should do. So, that combination of psychological factors, social norms, masculine power, and economic context makes things very difficult.”

She said the government needed to do more.

“They are very good at putting things down on paper, but not so good at actioning them. So, when you see that kind of action, it tells you there is a very significant disjuncture between what is being said and what is being done.”

The country is set to mark its 16 Days of Activism from 25 November until 10 December.