**The Private Sector Fight Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: A Revolution in Progress**
In a bold and unprecedented effort, the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund (GBVF RF) hosted a Private Sector Symposium Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. This historic event, held in August 2024 in Sandton, Johannesburg, marked the launch of the Private Sector Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (PSC).
The private sector coalition aims to bring together South African businesses to fight this insidious scourge. According to GBVF RF Chairperson Faith Khanyile, the establishment of the PSC is a critical step in the fight against gender-based violence. She highlighted that this initiative will enable businesses to develop standards and best practices to prevent and address gender-based violence, thereby encouraging the adoption of a three-step framework supported by ILO Convention C.190, comprising prevention, protection and enforcement to create safer workplaces. Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator, said that “as businesses that promote gender equality and prevent gender-based violence thrive, others will be drawn to join this effort.”
The symposium brought together key stakeholders such as the Presidency, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, Vodacom, Anglo American, Spar and the JSE. The establishment of the PSC follows the Second Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in November 2022, where a greater role for the private sector was called for.
Speakers unanimously agreed that gender-based violence and sexual and mobbing in and outside the workplace constitute a “second pandemic” that must be eradicated. Wits Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini stressed that sexual and mobbing affects all sectors of society and that “a sick country is attacking its women”. Cosatu Chairperson Zingiswa Losi lamented that South Africa is severely affected by gender-based violence, femicide and workplace harassment, which are “appallingly widespread”.
Many speakers referred to the Thuthuzela Care Centres, which are a critical and effective component of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy. Advocate Shamila Batohi of the NPA highlighted that the centres reduce secondary victimisation, create a supportive environment for victims, provide comprehensive pre-trial services and have led to increased conviction rates for reported rape cases.. Support for these centres comes not only from government but also from the private sector, among several other initiatives that demonstrate its growing commitment to combating gender-based violence.
The symposium featured a number of distinguished speakers, highlighting the importance of private sector involvement in combating gender-based violence. Faith Khanyile, Chairperson of GBVF RF, highlighted the uniqueness of the meeting and the critical role her organisation plays in driving change through research, awareness raising and practical support to organisations actively engaged in combating gender-based violence. Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom, highlighted the importance of private sector-government cooperation in ending this scourge, also citing the sad fact that South Africa is one of the most unsafe places in the world for women. Nolitha Fakude, Chair of the Board of Directors of Anglo American South Africa, reiterated her company’s commitment to strengthening processes related to gender-based violence and highlighted the crucial work of the Women in Mining Leadership Forum.
This historic symposium marks a major turning point in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. It highlights the importance of private sector engagement in creating a safe and respectful work environment, where gender equality is promoted and gender-based violence is strongly condemned. By joining forces, South African businesses are demonstrating their determination to eliminate this “second pandemic” and create a fairer and safer future for all.