GBV in SADC: Progress, challenges, pushing forward

Johannesburg, 28 March: Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Despite significant strides in policy and advocacy, GBV continues to devastate lives, with women and girls disproportionately affected. Recent data reveals alarming statistics: 35.5% of women in South Africa have experienced physical or sexual violence, while 15 out of 16 SADC countries fail to meet minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking. Amid global health crises and funding cuts, the urgency to address GBV has never been greater. This blog explores the successes, persistent challenges, and actionable steps SADC member states must take to eradicate GBV and ensure safety, justice, and dignity for all.

In recent years, there have been notable successes in addressing GBV in SADC. One significant area of progress is in legal and policy reforms. The High Court of South Africa made a landmark ruling in 2024 to invalidate the “reasonable belief in consent” defence in rape cases, marking a pivotal shift toward a survivor-centered justice approach. This ruling effectively closed a legal loophole that previously allowed perpetrators to evade accountability. Additionally, the SADC Model Law on GBV, launched in 2021, provides a framework for member states to reform their domestic violence laws and protect survivors. Additionally, Angola has introduced laws criminalising workplace sexual harassment, reflecting advances in women’s rights in economic contexts.

Innovative support systems have also emerged as vital components in the fight against GBV. For instance, Mauritius has established the Safe Haven Halfway Home, which has provided refuge and rehabilitation to over 300 survivors since its inception in 2017. This initiative offers comprehensive support services, including vocational training and mental health care, to promote the well-being of those affected. Additionally, digital solutions have been developed, such as South Africa’s GRIT (formerly Kwanele) and Lesotho’s Nokaneng, which harness technology to connect survivors with emergency services, legal aid, and counselling, thus bridging critical gaps in access to care.

Community-led prevention efforts show a strong commitment to addressing GBV. In Zimbabwe, traditional leaders and chiefs’ wives mobilise rural communities to challenge harmful norms, advocate against child marriage, and promote gender equality. Initiatives like the Gender Links’ Sunrise Campaign have empowered over 3,000 GBV survivors across ten SADC countries with entrepreneurship training, linking economic independence to reduced vulnerability to violence. These grassroots efforts highlight the crucial role of community involvement in fostering lasting change and cultivating a culture of respect and equality.

Persistent challenges in addressing GBV have become increasingly evident, particularly in regions where legal frameworks exist but implementation remains weak. Additionally, when it comes to trafficking, only Seychelles meets international anti-trafficking standards. In contrast, Madagascar and Zimbabwe have regressed to the Tier 2 Watch List in 2024, primarily due to inadequate victim protections and enforcement measures.

Cultural and structural barriers also play a significant role in perpetuating violence. In many cases, harmful gender norms continue to thrive. For example, 18% of South Africans still regard domestic violence as a “private matter.” In Mauritius, a staggering 75% of women report experiencing verbal harassment, but cultural stigma often discourages them from reporting these incidents. Moreover, women’s limited access to banking and credit across the SADC exacerbates their economic dependence, effectively trapping them in abusive relationships.

Emerging threats are further complicating the landscape of GBV. As digital access expands, risks associated with technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), such as cyberstalking and non-consensual image sharing, are on the rise. Only a select few countries, such as the Seychelles, have taken steps to train judicial members to handle digital evidence in GBV cases effectively.

In the eastern DRC, armed groups have weaponised sexual violence, with over 113,000 cases reported in 2023 alone. Survivors of these conflicts contend with compounded trauma due to insufficient healthcare and protection services available to them.

Funding shortfalls present another formidable challenge. Global shifts in donor priorities, such as increased attention to climate change and conflict, have redirected resources away from GBV programmes. At the 2024 SVRI Forum, researchers and activists underscored the dwindling funds available for critical services like shelters, legal aid, and prevention campaigns, raising concerns about the sustainability of hard-won gains in combating gender-based violence.

Call to Action for SADC Member States.

To accelerate progress, SADC governments and stakeholders must prioritise several key areas.

Firstly, it is essential to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks. This includes adopting the SADC Model Law, which requires all member states to align their national legislation with its provisions. This alignment should criminalise all forms of GBV and ensure strong protections for survivors.

Additionally, closing trafficking loopholes by enhancing cross-border collaboration, improving victim support services, and providing law enforcement training is crucial to combat human trafficking effectively.

Further, investing in survivor-centered solutions is vital. This can be achieved by scaling up shelters and services to increase funding for safe houses, psychosocial support, and economic empowerment programs. Replicating successful models, such as Mauritius’ Safe Haven, can provide more support to survivors. Leveraging technology is another avenue to explore. Expanding the reach of applications like Kwanele regionally can integrate critical features for reporting trafficking-related GBV and providing legal assistance.

Challenging harmful societal norms is also essential. Community engagement plays a significant role in shifting attitudes. Partnering with traditional leaders, religious institutions, and media organisations can foster significant changes in perception. Furthermore, implementing comprehensive education programmes that mandate GBV prevention and consent education in schools is vital for addressing underlying issues, such as toxic masculinity.

Ensuring sustainable funding is another critical area of focus. Domestic resource mobilisation is crucial for allocating national budgets to GBV programmes, which can help reduce reliance on volatile donor funding. The partnership between Namibia, the EU, and UNFPA for 2024-2027 serves as a replicable blueprint for such funding strategies. Additionally, public-private partnerships should be encouraged to stimulate corporate investment in GBV initiatives, exemplified by Botswana’s Women Against Rape collaboration with the Diamond Trading Company to support survivors.

Ultimately, enhancing data collection and accountability mechanisms is essential for effective monitoring of progress. Regular GBV surveys should be conducted to track developments and inform policymaking, as seen in South Africa’s pioneering 2022 GBV study. To maintain oversight, establishing regional bodies to evaluate law enforcement responses and service delivery, along with publishing annual scorecards, is essential to ensure accountability and enhance the effectiveness of interventions.

The fight against GBV in SADC needs to be sustained. While legal reforms and grassroots initiatives offer hope, systemic challenges, ranging from cultural resistance to funding cuts, demand urgent, coordinated action. By prioritising survivor-centered policies, community engagement, and innovative solutions, SADC member states can turn the tide on GBV. The time for rhetoric has passed; the time for bold, resolute action is now. Together, we must build a future where every individual lives free from violence and fear.

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(Kevin Chiramba is the Author of the GBV chapter in the 2024 Voice and Choice Barometer. This article is written in his capacity.)