The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa by announcing an additional R18-million, or £800 000 in support to the GBVF Fund.

The announcement was made by UK Minister for Women and Equalities Baroness Jacqui Smith during the G20 Empowerment of Women Ministerial meeting in Johannesburg on October 31, as a means of underscoring the UK’s ongoing partnership with South Africa in addressing GBVF.

In a media release, the British High Commission Pretoria said the uplift would enable the GBVF Fund to significantly scale up and expand its interventions, with the goal of reaching an additional 33 000 people across two critical areas of work, namely GBV in schools and a GBV response for underserved communities.

Building on evidence from the UK-funded What Works programme, the fund will support targeted prevention efforts in schools, focusing on adolescent boys.

The High Commission said this high-impact intervention would aid the implementation of the Department of Basic Education’s life skills and life orientation curriculum, fostering healthier attitudes and behaviours from a young age.

The additional funding will also enhance support for victims and survivors in underserved groups, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, women with disabilities, and migrant women – ensuring inclusive and accessible services for those most at risk.

"The UK stands firmly with South Africa in the movement against GBV. This additional support reflects our shared commitment to protecting underserved communities and investing in long-term, evidence-based solutions that create safer environments for all. 

“At the heart of the UK-South Africa relationship is our shared commitment to human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. This uplift to the GBVF Fund is a tangible demonstration of that commitment.

“We are proud to stand alongside South Africa in accelerating action to end violence, empower women and girls, and ensure no one is left behind,” says Smith.

The GBVF Fund is a flagship initiative under the UK-South Africa partnership, aimed at strengthening prevention of GBVF and response mechanisms across the country.

The High Commission said this announcement marked a significant step forward in advancing gender equality and safeguarding the rights of women and girls.

During her visit to South Africa, Smith took part in the South African Presidency’s High-Level Dialogue on Positive Masculinity where she raised the crucial role of education in prevention and engaging boys in efforts to end GBV.

The Minister also visited Kid’s Haven, which the UK supports through the GBVF Fund, to provide shelter for children and young people who have experienced trauma.