Beyond Declarations: ASSAf Webinar Highlights Urgent Need for Accountability, Survivor Protection and Evidence-Based Action on GBVF
(MENAFN- Assaf Academy of Science of South Africa) Recognising gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a national crisis must translate into sustained, coordinated and measurable action that strengthens institutions, protects survivors and prevents violence. This was a central message emerging from the first webinar in the Academy of Science of South Africa's (ASSAf) GBVF Webinar Series, held on 15 October 2026 under the theme From Declaration to Action: What Does a National GBVF Disaster Response Require? The webinar brought together researchers and civil society representatives to examine what is needed to move beyond national declarations towards meaningful and sustained action.
In his opening remarks, Professor Brij Maharaj, an ASSAf member from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, situated GBVF within the broader challenges of gender inequality, patriarchal norms, economic vulnerability and social exclusion. He highlighted its far-reaching consequences for public health, social cohesion, education and economic development, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary research, community mobilisation and sustained investment in social change.
Building on this broader perspective, Professor Amanda Gouws, also an ASSAf member from Stellenbosch University who facilitated the webinar, questioned whether South Africa's progressive legislation and policy frameworks are translating into effective action. She raised concerns about shortcomings in the criminal justice system, the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and the accountability of institutions responsible for protecting women and girls. Of particular concern was whether public resources are being allocated and used effectively to deliver meaningful results.
The challenges facing these institutions were further examined by Dr Lisa Vetten from the University of the Witwatersrand, who cautioned against focusing primarily on public outrage and repeated crisis declarations while overlooking the gradual deterioration of essential services. She highlighted inconsistencies in police crime statistics, declining investigative and forensic capacity, and reduced access to shelters. Her contribution demonstrated how institutional neglect and administrative failures can undermine women's access to protection and justice.
These shortcomings have direct consequences for survivors, as illustrated by Mr Michael Masina of Women for Change. Drawing on frontline experience, he reported that the organisation had handled more than 4,000 support cases since April 2026, including approximately 420 high-risk cases involving minors and child abuse. He highlighted fragmented services, inconsistent responses and inadequate follow-up, emphasising that effective survivor protection must be measured by whether individuals actually receive the assistance they need.
While strengthening institutional responses and survivor support is essential, prevention remains equally important. Associate Professor Nwabisa Jama Shai of the South African Medical Research Council highlighted the need to address the underlying drivers of GBVF, including gender inequality, harmful social norms and childhood exposure to violence. Drawing on evidence from programmes such as Stepping Stones, she emphasised the importance of sustained investment in evidence-based prevention interventions that are effectively implemented and evaluated.
Key Points Emerging from the Webinar
•Institutional accountability: Strengthen policing, forensic capacity, reliable crime statistics and access to justice.
•Survivor protection: Ensure access to shelters, counselling, healthcare, legal assistance and coordinated referral systems.
•Evidence-based prevention: Invest in interventions that address harmful gender norms, inequality and the underlying drivers of violence.
•Societal responsibility: Encourage families, communities and institutions to challenge attitudes and behaviours that excuse or normalise violence.
•Measurable implementation: Assess progress through improved survivor safety, institutional performance and reductions in violence.
The discussion also highlighted the vulnerability of children, institutional safeguarding failures and the wider consequences of GBVF for families and communities, reinforcing the need for accountability beyond government institutions.
In her closing reflections, Professor Gouws returned to the importance of institutional accountability, questioning how resources intended for GBVF interventions are allocated and whether existing systems are delivering the protection and prevention measures required.
The webinar reinforced that recognising GBVF as a national crisis is only a starting point. Meaningful progress depends on translating commitments into effective institutional responses, accessible survivor support and sustained prevention.
ASSAf will continue these discussions through its GBVF Webinar Series. The next webinar, planned for 25 November 2026, will focus on Positive Masculinities and Men's Role in Ending GBV, examining the role of men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms and preventing violence.
Recording on YouTube:
ENDS
In his opening remarks, Professor Brij Maharaj, an ASSAf member from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, situated GBVF within the broader challenges of gender inequality, patriarchal norms, economic vulnerability and social exclusion. He highlighted its far-reaching consequences for public health, social cohesion, education and economic development, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary research, community mobilisation and sustained investment in social change.
Building on this broader perspective, Professor Amanda Gouws, also an ASSAf member from Stellenbosch University who facilitated the webinar, questioned whether South Africa's progressive legislation and policy frameworks are translating into effective action. She raised concerns about shortcomings in the criminal justice system, the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF and the accountability of institutions responsible for protecting women and girls. Of particular concern was whether public resources are being allocated and used effectively to deliver meaningful results.
The challenges facing these institutions were further examined by Dr Lisa Vetten from the University of the Witwatersrand, who cautioned against focusing primarily on public outrage and repeated crisis declarations while overlooking the gradual deterioration of essential services. She highlighted inconsistencies in police crime statistics, declining investigative and forensic capacity, and reduced access to shelters. Her contribution demonstrated how institutional neglect and administrative failures can undermine women's access to protection and justice.
These shortcomings have direct consequences for survivors, as illustrated by Mr Michael Masina of Women for Change. Drawing on frontline experience, he reported that the organisation had handled more than 4,000 support cases since April 2026, including approximately 420 high-risk cases involving minors and child abuse. He highlighted fragmented services, inconsistent responses and inadequate follow-up, emphasising that effective survivor protection must be measured by whether individuals actually receive the assistance they need.
While strengthening institutional responses and survivor support is essential, prevention remains equally important. Associate Professor Nwabisa Jama Shai of the South African Medical Research Council highlighted the need to address the underlying drivers of GBVF, including gender inequality, harmful social norms and childhood exposure to violence. Drawing on evidence from programmes such as Stepping Stones, she emphasised the importance of sustained investment in evidence-based prevention interventions that are effectively implemented and evaluated.
Key Points Emerging from the Webinar
•Institutional accountability: Strengthen policing, forensic capacity, reliable crime statistics and access to justice.
•Survivor protection: Ensure access to shelters, counselling, healthcare, legal assistance and coordinated referral systems.
•Evidence-based prevention: Invest in interventions that address harmful gender norms, inequality and the underlying drivers of violence.
•Societal responsibility: Encourage families, communities and institutions to challenge attitudes and behaviours that excuse or normalise violence.
•Measurable implementation: Assess progress through improved survivor safety, institutional performance and reductions in violence.
The discussion also highlighted the vulnerability of children, institutional safeguarding failures and the wider consequences of GBVF for families and communities, reinforcing the need for accountability beyond government institutions.
In her closing reflections, Professor Gouws returned to the importance of institutional accountability, questioning how resources intended for GBVF interventions are allocated and whether existing systems are delivering the protection and prevention measures required.
The webinar reinforced that recognising GBVF as a national crisis is only a starting point. Meaningful progress depends on translating commitments into effective institutional responses, accessible survivor support and sustained prevention.
ASSAf will continue these discussions through its GBVF Webinar Series. The next webinar, planned for 25 November 2026, will focus on Positive Masculinities and Men's Role in Ending GBV, examining the role of men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms and preventing violence.
Recording on YouTube:
ENDS
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