Many serious issues remain deeply rooted in society, yet too often we turn a blind eye or sweep them under the carpet. Sometimes this happens because we are unwilling to confront them; other times, it is because we do not have the tools, language, or support to navigate them.
One of the most urgent issues affecting women today is gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence, often referred to as GBV, is any form of harm or abuse directed at a person because of their gender, sex, or sexual orientation.
It can include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse.
What We Offer
Online Violence
Harmful or illegal behaviour directed at women in digital spaces.
Domestic Violence
Physical, emotional, psychological, or economic abuse within a household or intimate relationship.
Sexual Assault
Any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour.
For generations, women have been told to endure: endure an unhappy marriage, endure for the sake of the children, endure to protect the family’s reputation, and endure because of what people may think. But this expectation is harmful. A woman’s safety, dignity, and life should never be sacrificed to preserve appearances.
Children do not simply need a home with two parents; they need a home that is safe, peaceful, and nurturing. They need an environment where they can grow, express themselves, and live without fear.
Community judgment cannot matter more than a woman’s wellbeing. When someone is being harmed, the question should not be, “What will people say?” The question should be, “How can we help her become safe?”
Women need to stand up for themselves and for one another, regardless of the circumstances. Solidarity matters. In South Africa, an estimated 11 women are killed every day through domestic violence—approximately 330 women every month. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives, families, and futures cut short.
We need to stop pretending we do not know what is happening around us. If you know someone in an abusive relationship, support them, listen without judgment, and help them access safety and assistance. If you hear violence next door, do not wait for tragedy before acting—contact the authorities immediately. Every small stand we take as a community can help save a life.
Most importantly, when a woman is brave enough to leave a harmful situation, she needs encouragement—not criticism. Applaud her courage. Help her rebuild. Whether you offer a home-cooked meal, look after her children while she attends an interview, or simply remind her that she is not alone, your support can make a meaningful difference. We must also teach our daughters financial responsibility and independence so that they are never left without options. Let us raise them to be their own backup plan. Prioritize education and skills developement above all else and enable them to empower each other.
When a survivor comes forward, we must not shame her for what was done to her. Instead, we must hold the perpetrator accountable. Let us be the generation that rejects harmful behaviour and helps build a society where women are heard, respected, and safe. Women should never have to fear how a man may react to what they wear or how they choose to live. Every woman—whether known or unknown to us—deserves to be treated as a sister, with dignity and care. Let us create a world where men think twice before violating that dignity, and where daughters are raised to break barriers, wear what they choose, and step confidently into every space they enter.
Let us become the change we hope to see and the movement that carries femininity forward with strength, freedom, and pride.
Key GBV Support Websites in South Africa
- GBV.org.za – Offers information on abuse, risk assessment tools, and a directory of support services including police stations, hospitals, and NGOs. The Bright Sky SA app helps users identify abuse and access local support services
gbv.org.za.
- GBV Safe Corner – Provides safe, confidential, and anonymous support for GBV survivors. Services include crisis intervention, professional counseling, and community resources, available in multiple South African languages
gbvsafecorner.org.
- Government GBV Portal (gov.za/GBV) – Offers guidance on reporting rape, sexual assault, and other forms of violence. Includes toll-free helplines (e.g., 086 00 10111) and links to Thuthuzela Care Centres for immediate assistance
www.gov.za.
- End GBVF (gbvf.org.za) – A volunteer network focused on prevention, survivor support, and justice. Provides information on the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, safe spaces, and advocacy for systemic change
gbvf.org.za.