The breakaway session with civil society representatives at Roots to Rise brought forward practical and forward-thinking suggestions for how NGOs and community-based organisations could use and contribute to the End GBVF Dashboard.

A key recommendation was to include a directory or mapping of civil society organisations on the Dashboard, much like the way active 100-Day Challenges are currently displayed. This would make it easier for users, particularly victims seeking support to find organisations operating in their area. It would also assist municipalities, courts, and TVET institutions in identifying potential partners and building stronger local networks.

Participants also highlighted the value of data that civil society already holds. Many victims of GBVF turn to NGOs for help without ever reporting their cases to the police or accessing formal health services. These unreported cases are often tracked by NGOs for donor reporting, meaning there is already a wealth of information available. Incorporating this data into the Dashboard would paint a more accurate and complete picture of the GBVF landscape in South Africa, especially in communities where official reporting is low.

In addition to data integration, the session surfaced ideas for improving usability and relevance at community level. Participants suggested creating a simplified community dashboard — a version that focuses on key indicators, local services, and survivor pathways to make it easier for grassroots organisations to engage with the platform without feeling overwhelmed by technical features.

Another focus of the session was on awareness and accessibility. Participants stressed the importance of introducing the Dashboard to community-based organisations and local leaders, who could in turn share it with their networks. This would help make the tool more widely known and used at grassroots level. One proposal was to co-host information workshops with local NGOs and traditional leaders, ensuring that language, access, and context are taken into account.

Participants also urged that the Dashboard is not seen purely as a tool for institutions, but as a resource for the broader ecosystem of care. Many NGOs are deeply embedded in the communities they serve and understand the social, economic, and cultural conditions that shape vulnerability and resilience. Their inclusion is not only strategic — it is essential for any meaningful and sustained response to GBVF.

Finally, there was a call to ensure that civil society organisations have a voice in the ongoing development of the Dashboard. Rather than being end-users, they should be treated as co-creators and collaborators. This could take the form of regular feedback loops, consultations, or even a community advisory group that helps steer future improvements to the platform.

Ultimately, the conversation reminded us that civil society is often the frontline in the response to GBVF. These organisations are trusted by communities, and their work is central to both prevention and support. Including them in the Dashboard is not just a technical improvement — it is a recognition of the ecosystem of care and action that exists outside formal systems.

The End GBVF Dashboard can only reach its full potential if it reflects the realities on the ground and serves the people who need it most. By opening space for civil society on the platform, we take a step closer to that goal — ensuring that data, dignity, and action move hand-in-hand.