This year’s theme, "Unite! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls," urges everyone to address the systemic and pervasive issue of GBVF collectively. In South Africa, where GBVF remains a profound social crisis, this theme is particularly relevant as we continue to see devastating impacts on women, children, and marginalised communities. In South Africa, GBVF is a major social crisis, affecting women, children, and marginalised communities.

The prevalence of GBVF in the country reminds us that we must all work together to end it. The Commission’s commitment to combatting GBVF is rooted in the values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Gender equality and the right to live free from violence are fundamental human rights. Yet, the reality for many in our country is far removed from these ideals. The Commission calls upon government, civil society, private sector actors, and individuals to prioritise and intensify efforts to end GBVF in all its forms.

Recent projects of the Commission further illustrate its commitment to intersectionality and gender justice. The Commission’s report on corruption and maladministration in the allocation of RDP houses highlights how these issues disproportionately affect women and women-headed households.

Prolonged waiting lists, misallocation of housing, and substandard workmanship perpetuate systemic inequalities and undermine the rights of vulnerable groups. Similarly, the Commission’s report on bad road infrastructure underscores the gendered consequences of poor service delivery, particularly for women who rely on public transportation or must navigate unsafe routes. Additionally, the Commission’s service delivery investigations reveal the disproportionate impact of failing municipal services on women and marginalized communities, further demonstrating the critical need for gender-responsive governance.

The Commission also highlights the importance of addressing GBVF in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. Employers, educators, and community leaders must play a proactive role in creating safe environments and challenging discriminatory norms that perpetuate violence. The SAHRC supports the work of the Commission for Gender Equality in fulfilling its mandate, which includes addressing GBVF.

Throughout the year, the SAHRC, through all its nine provincial offices, has also actively participated in the Thursdays in Black Campaign, a global initiative that promotes a world without gender-based violence and rape.

We urge every South African to stand in solidarity with survivors, challenge harmful stereotypes, and take action to prevent GBVF. Ending this crisis requires collective and sustained efforts. Only through our shared commitment to justice, equality, and human rights can we make meaningful change. The SAHRC’s provincial offices will host events to educate and empower the public about GBVF. In Limpopo, an Indaba Towards Social Harmony, Safety, and Nation-Building on and around Farms is taking place in Polokwane this week, from 26-28 November 2024. This event will include discussions on the rights of farm dwellers, especially women and girls.

The SAHRC is dedicated to upholding human dignity and protecting everyone’s rights, especially the most vulnerable. Together, let us break the silence, confront the structures that enable violence, and work towards a South Africa where everyone can live free from fear and harm.

END

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

For more information contact, Mr Wisani Baloyi on 081 016 8308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.