‘Women’s economic empowerment key to tackling GBV’

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities emphasizes that empowering women economically is crucial to addressing gender-based violence and promoting their autonomy. This insight was shared at a Distinction Dialogue of the National Press Club, organized to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women's March, themed "Empowered women, empower the nations."

The dialogue gathered government officials, media representatives, civil society groups, business leaders, academics, and other stakeholders to assess South Africa's progress since the Women's March and identify ongoing challenges.

Cassius Selala, a spokesperson for the department, contends that women's economic empowerment can reduce their vulnerability to abuse. "We are calling for the economic empowerment of women, as the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence advocates for a 40% proportional allocation of procurement for women," Selala explained.

This strategy aims to shift women away from the control of gender-based violence perpetrators. The department's engagement with media members is part of a broader initiative to tackle issues affecting women, coupled with a call for responsible reporting that acknowledges the challenges women face daily, from rape to abuse and murder.