Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains one of the most urgent challenges in South Africa and addressing it requires a multifaceted approach. The justice system, local government, and higher education institutions each have a role to play in addressing it, not just through policies, but through real, on-the-ground changes that make a difference in people’s lives. The Teams working in these three ecosystems are focusing on specific impact areas to tackle GBVF in practical ways. Here’s how each ecosystem is stepping up.

Courts: Enhancing Justice Efficiency

Delayed justice can discourage survivors from seeking legal recourse and weaken public confidence in the judicial system. Court Teams focus on improving the efficiency of the legal system by tackling case backlogs, lowering withdrawal rates, and expediting case finalisation. When cases drag on for years, survivors may lose hope, and perpetrators often walk free. The goal is to ensure that justice moves at a pace that doesn’t fail those who need it most.

Another focus area is lowering the rate of case withdrawals. Many cases don’t reach a conclusion because survivors are pressured into dropping charges, don’t have the support they need to continue, or lose faith in the system. Courts need to recognise these challenges and put measures in place to prevent them, whether that means better survivor support, stronger protection mechanisms, or more efficient legal processes.

Municipalities: Making Public Spaces and Services Work for Survivors

Municipalities are where national policies meet everyday life. A GBVF strategy means little if people don’t feel safe in their neighbourhoods or can’t access help when they need it.

Municipal Teams are focused on creating spaces that reduce the risk of violence. This includes proper street lighting, accessible public transport, and safe zones where people can seek help. But safety isn’t just about infrastructure – it’s also about ensuring that survivor services are available, functioning, and easy to navigate. Shelters, trauma centres, and emergency response systems must work efficiently to provide real support, not just exist on paper.

Additionally, by directing preventative interventions in high-risk areas, municipalities can significantly reduce the occurrence of GBVF-related crimes. For instance, many survivors stay in abusive situations because they don’t have the financial means to leave. Therefore, investing in women-led businesses is a crucial factor in breaking cycles of abuse. This economic angle to ending GBVF can’t be ignored.

TVET Colleges: Breaking the Silence on Campus

For many young people, institutions of higher learning are the first space where they experience independence. But it can also be a space where GBVF thrives in silence. Many survivors on campuses fear stigma or institutional inaction, which discourages reporting. Awareness campaigns, peer support groups, and clear reporting mechanisms can help create an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward.

TVET college Teams focus on breaking the silence surrounding GBVF, increasing survivor access to care and support, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. TVET Teams are working to make reporting easier and more accessible. This means clear processes, survivor-centred support, and ensuring that institutions take complaints seriously. Too often, perpetrators continue their lives uninterrupted while survivors are left to deal with the consequences alone. Holding perpetrators accountable not only delivers justice but also acts as a deterrent, shifting campus culture towards zero tolerance for GBVF.

A Collective Commitment to Change

Each of these ecosystems plays a crucial role in the broader effort to end GBVF. Courts ensure swift and fair justice, municipalities build safer environments, and TVET colleges shape the attitudes and behaviours of future generations. A coordinated approach across these sectors strengthens the overall fight against GBV, making justice and support more accessible for survivors. By driving impact within their unique domains, these teams contribute to a society where safety, dignity, and accountability is the norm.