In a huge collective effort to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), Gert Sibande District has made remarkable strides through its 100-Day Challenge. This ambitious initiative saw all seven sub-districts – Govan Mbeki, Lekwa, Msukaligwa, Chief Albert Luthuli, Mkhondo, Dipaleseng, and Pixley Ka Isaka Seme- work tirelessly to address the scourge of GBVF in their communities.

The campaign, anchored in collaboration, brought together government departments, civil society organizations, and local stakeholders. The sub-districts focused on various pillars, with an emphasis on increasing awareness, empowering survivors, and reducing GBVF incidents. Despite challenges such as budget constraints and resource limitations, the collective impact was both significant and inspiring.

Uniting to End GBVF: Sub-District Achievements

Pixley Ka Isaka Seme: A Community United Against Violence

With a goal to reduce the killing of women and commercial sex workers by 60%, Pixley Ka Seme sub-district led impactful initiatives. A community dialogue on October 29, 2024, reached 120 participants, fostering collective solutions to GBVF challenges. Planned activities for the 16 Days of Activism include awareness campaigns, a march, and outreach at truck stops to educate vulnerable groups.

Govan Mbeki Municipality: Amplifying Voices, Increasing Reports

Govan Mbeki Municipality aimed to increase GBVF case reporting by 60%. A mechanism they adopted to work towards their goal was to conduct awareness campaigns, managing to reach 700 older persons, 200 community members, and 100 participants at eMbalenhle Mall. Notable programs include the “Keeping the Girl in School” initiative, engaging 45 educators and learners, and an economic empowerment workshop for 72 youth.

Dipaleseng: Support and Awareness in Action

Dipaleseng focused on renovating victim support centers and reducing domestic violence cases. A GBVF and breast cancer awareness campaign reached 100 participants, while a community dialogue brought critical GBVF information to 119 people. Future plans include parenting workshops and a festive safety awareness campaign, fostering a safer environment for vulnerable groups.

Lekwa: Breaking the Cycle of Neglect and Abuse

Lekwa’s efforts targeted a 60% reduction in child neglect and sexual abuse cases. A mental health campaign reached 300 people, emphasizing the link between substance abuse and GBVF. A GBVF awareness drive engaged 120 youth, while 70 stakeholders participated in local AIDS Council and GBVF induction sessions. Plans include school awareness programs and community engagement initiatives.

Msukaligwa: Tackling GBVF Through Mental Health and Education

Msukaligwa addressed domestic violence and sexual assault by focusing on mental health and education. Campaigns reached 150 municipal workers and 100 community members, while a teenage pregnancy awareness initiative educated 200 girls. An anti-bullying campaign at KwaDela Secondary School empowered 150 learners to speak out against abuse.

Chief Albert Luthuli: Empowering Women and Men to Act

Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality sought to reduce killings of women by 60%. A GBVF soccer tournament engaged 100 men, while community dialogues reached 400 women and children. A cancer and GBVF awareness campaign, supported by the MEC, educated 70 women on available resources and services.

Mkhondo: Inspiring Youth and Strengthening Support Systems

Mkhondo sub-district aimed to decrease sexual assault cases by 60% while advocating for better resources for victim support centers. Awareness campaigns reached over 500 learners, and empowerment sessions engaged 300 participants. School dialogues tackled key issues like human trafficking and substance abuse, impacting 150 students.

A District United: Collective Steps Forward

The 100-Day Challenge highlighted the strength of collaboration in addressing GBVF. Key next steps for Gert Sibande District include:

• Supporting shelters with resources through partnerships with municipalities and private sectors.
• Organizing marches and dialogues during the 16 Days of Activism across all sub-districts.
• Strengthening Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to enhance GBVF interventions.
• Collaborating with SAPS, NPA, and health departments to track and address GBVF incidents and teenage pregnancies.

Impact by the Numbers

• Community members reached: Over 2,500 across all sub-districts.
• Youth engaged: More than 1,000 through empowerment programs, school dialogues, and campaigns.
• Stakeholder participation: Hundreds of government and civil society representatives driving change.

The End GBVF 100-Day Challenge in Gert Sibande is more than just an initiative—it’s a movement towards safer communities. Each sub-district’s efforts reflect a collective resolve to address GBVF in all its forms. The work is far from over, but the progress made in these 100 days serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of unified action.