GBV: Band‑aid safety measures cannot stop femicide

A woman in South Africa cannot simply go for a run without first being given a safety briefing, as her country has become accustomed to this language of fear. Every three hours, a woman is murdered, and the focus remains on what she should have done differently, rather than why a man felt entitled to take her life. Vigilance is presented as the solution, but it is merely a Band-aid on a bleeding wound, masking the deeper systemic failures.

South Africa has recognized gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide as a national crisis, with a National Council on GBV and Femicide in place. However, this is merely a band aid to a much deeper issue. Statistics show that only 37.9% of people feel safe walking alone at night. The Human Sciences Research Council's GBV prevalence study found that 7.3 million women have experienced physical violence, and over 2.15 million women have experienced sexual violence during their lifetime.

Police have recorded 50,511 GBVF cases so far this year, with 30,736 arrests or referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority. Yet, the overall response remains reactive, relying on mobilization after a disappearance or a body is found. The key to change lies in men themselves, who are the ones asking other men why women are being hunted, assaulted, and killed.

Men must model good behavior for the next generations, challenging the normalization of violence, dominance, and unequal treatment of women. Boys need positive, present men in their lives modeling respect, responsibility, and healthy masculinity. It is a collective responsibility for men and society to ensure female safety, not just women.

We need better infrastructure, such as working streetlights, safer pedestrian routes, and public spaces, effective policing, and functional justice systems.