South Africa’s War Against Women and Children
Petition: Declare GBVF a National Disaster

Every day in South Africa, at least 15 women are murdered and 117 women report rape cases to the police. At Women For Change, we witness this brutal reality daily – standing with families devastated by femicide and speaking out for sisters who have been brutally abused or raped. For many years, we have tirelessly documented the relentless war being waged against our women and children.

It’s time to confront the painful truth: most cases of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) are committed by someone the victim knows – a partner, ex-partner, family member, or close friend. Yet, countless women remain trapped in their own homes, silently enduring unimaginable abuse behind closed doors.

In 2020, the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide (NSP GBVF) was passed in parliament marking a significant step toward strengthening accountability, response, and coordination in addressing GBVF in South Africa. Despite the well-intentioned policy framework of the GBVF National Strategic Plan, there has been a lack of urgency in implementing and funding its commitments, leading to our country experiencing its highest femicide rates to date.

According to SAPS Crime Statistics from April 2023 to March 2024:

• 5,578 women and 1,656 children were killed, with femicide rising by a shocking 33.8% compared to the previous year.
• 42,569 rape cases were reported, yet it is estimated that 95% of rape cases go unreported.

This staggering 33.8% increase in femicide within a single year has been met with silence, and there has been no urgent action and no accountability from the government. How many more women, children and vulnerable people should be killed or raped before this crisis is treated with the urgency it demands?

Declare GBVF a National Disaster

We call on the South African government to immediately declare Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) a National Disaster. This crisis demands the immediate mobilisation of national resources and unwavering political commitment on an unprecedented scale to strengthen and transform the national response to the epidemic of violence against women and children. The South African government needs to show its commitment towards this epidemic by funding the implementation of the NSP GBVF and the National Council on GBVF Bill of 2024.

By declaring GBVF a national disaster, we demand immediate and decisive action through the following urgent measures:

1. Judicial and Legislative Reforms

Opposing Bail: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must consistently and firmly oppose bail in cases of child sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, attempted murder, and murder, where sufficient evidence exists and there is imminent danger to survivors and the community. This is crucial to prevent perpetrators from reoffending.

Life Imprisonment without Parole: Implement harsher sentencing for those convicted of gang rape, femicide and child sexual abuse or murder, ensuring they serve their full sentences with no early release on parole. Additionally, mandate comprehensive psychological assessments and rehabilitation programs during and after incarceration.

Accountability for Negligence: Enforce immediate disciplinary measures against public officials, i.e. police officers, court officials, or social workers, who fail to act or mishandle GBVF cases.

Accountability for Misconduct: Take immediate and decisive disciplinary action against any public officials involved in GBVF-related misconduct. Delays and inconsistency are unacceptable – swift action is crucial to uphold accountability and justice for survivors.

2. Fund the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

Financial Commitments and Budget Allocation: The National Treasury must urgently allocate funding to implement the National Strategic Plan on GBVF for 2025 – 2030, signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2020. This plan provides the legislative framework for establishing a GBVF Council to oversee and drive efforts to eradicate GBVF in South Africa through a multisectoral and intersectional approach.

The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill was signed into law in May 2024, and its full implementation must be an immediate priority.

3. Public Access to the National Sex Offenders Register:

Transparency for Safety: Make the National Register for Sex Offenders publicly accessible and ensure all individuals convicted of GBVF-related crimes, including domestic violence, are listed. This will empower communities, employers, and caregivers to take proactive steps to protect women and children.

4. Education and Awareness:

Mandatory School Curriculum: Introduce comprehensive gender-based violence education in schools that cover topics such as consent and gender equality from an early age.

365-Day Awareness: Implement continuous awareness and education campaigns in schools, workplaces, communities, and media channels, including print, radio, television, and social media.

Ending gender-based violence and femicide and ensuring women’s safety must be a priority for the South African government. GBVF is the most extreme expression of unequal gender relations in our society, a human rights violation, and a global health issue that transcends boundaries of economic status, culture, religion, age, and sexual orientation.

This pandemic demands change and accountability at every level of society. Now is the time for all of us to rise and fight for a South Africa where women and children are truly safe, protected, and free. Sign the Petition and demand our Government to declare GBVF a National Disaster NOW.

Supporters who stand with us!