South Africa: Announces new Council on Gender Based Violence

South Africa has shown political will to address gender violence through the formation of a New Council on Gender Based Violence as highlighted by the Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disability during the Sixteen Days campaign. The Deputy President, Kgalema Motlhanthe will chair the Council because the government considers addressing violence against women and children as a priority area.

The Council will be responsible for coordinating a multi-sectoral response to gender violence and drive the 365 National Action Plan to End Violence against Women and Children launched in 2007. This will help to streamlinenational efforts and enhance the impact of programmes to stop violence and abuse across all state and non-state actors.

This is in line with provisions of the SADC Protocol on the Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance that call for a coordinated approach to ending gender violence. A key target is to reduce current levels of gender-based violence by 2015.

The Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disability held a briefing meeting for members of the council on 8th December 2011. Gender Links, a regional organisation that provides the secretariat to the Alliance has been invited to join the National Council.