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The Multi-Party Women’s Caucus welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s bold declaration during the G20 Social Summit in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national crisis.
 
Committee Chairperson Ms Lindela Dunjwa said the President’s declaration is a significant step toward addressing the violence that prevails against women, girls and boys in South Africa.
 
Ms Dunjwa said the committee applauds the President for shining a spotlight on this burning issue, which demands a collective and unwavering response from all sectors of society. “The statistics surrounding GBVF are alarming and harrowing. It is imperative that we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of women and children in the country,” she said.

The President’s announcement came at the same time as a national shutdown, during which Women For Change encouraged women and members of the LGTBQI+ community to refrain from all paid and unpaid work on 21 November to participate in a 15-minute standstill to raise awareness of GBVF. The initiative brought together community leaders, activists and concerned citizens in a powerful demonstration of solidarity and commitment to ending GBVF.
 
Ms Dunjwa added that as South Africa advances its efforts to combat gender-based violence, the committee wants to emphasise the importance of gender-responsive budgeting. “This approach ensures that financial resources are allocated in a manner that addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by women, particularly those affected by violence. By integrating gender considerations into budgeting processes, we can create more effective programmes and services that empower women and provide the necessary support to survivors of GBVF,” she said.
 
Parliament is seized with the process of establishing the National Council of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which is spearheaded by the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. Adverts have gone out calling for nominations. Ms Dunjwa said the council will provide strategic leadership in the prevention of and response to GBVF.

Ms Dunjwa reiterated her call and urged all South Africans to unite in this fight against gender-based violence to create a society where women can live free from fear and violence.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the chairperson of the Multi-Party Women’s Caucus, Lindelwa Dunjwa