SA’s GBV crisis can’t be solved in court when it starts in the classroom

South Africa's gender-based violence (GBV) crisis demands urgent attention, particularly at the school level, rather than solely relying on legal measures. Research indicates that three-quarters of male perpetrators committed their first assault before the age of 20, often during their school years. This suggests that addressing GBV early on, through educational initiatives, could significantly curb the problem.

Several countries, including Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, have successfully implemented whole-school programs that address GBV at its roots. In Sierra Leone, a programme reached 200 schools, leading to a decrease in sexual violence incidents and improved attitudes towards gender equality. Zimbabwe and Mozambique also saw positive outcomes, with increased awareness of laws protecting women and girls, and improved reporting mechanisms.

In South Africa, over 36% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the 2024 national GBV prevalence study. A staggering 76% of men admitted to committing GBV at some point in their lives. This statistic, rather than being a fringe issue, reflects a pervasive problem that requires intervention at an early stage.

Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledging the crisis, there is a lack of concrete efforts to address the issue. Other countries have moved beyond reactive measures and started interventions in schools, with proven success. South Africa can learn from these examples and implement similar programs to build a foundation of respect for gender equality from the earliest stages of life.