Disclaimer: This content contains information on gender-based violence. Discretion is advised. The intention is not to offend but to provide insights from our 30/30/30 Project. Proceed only if you are comfortable with this topic.
This observation highlights the thoughts and fears that South Africa’s Gen Zs have about gender-based violence (GBV).
Continue reading to find out more.
What we learnt:
The ‘Fees Must Fall’ movement a few years ago was a protest against the prohibitively high cost of tertiary education. The high cost of tertiary education is the number one reason for protesting within this group. Gender-based violence is another such cause that young people are passionately opposing.
“And my reason for that is that I really stand strong against gender-based violence. I’m not a feminist. However, I just do believe that this world needs to be a safe place for everyone. So yeah. Those are the kinds of things I’m into.” – Lerato (27, Black, female)
“There was an incident that took place. A female was harassed at the gates, and then, the school department didn’t do so much about it. And then the student decided on their own, they’re going to protest at the offices and start making them get involved in their own situation so it could be solved and dealt with accordingly. So yeah, I was part of that.” – Sizwe (Black, male)
What does the research/experts say:
Gender-based violence (GBV) is present in every society around the world. Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by GBV, particularly those from marginalized communities, where gender inequality intersects with other forms of oppression. Black and lesbian women are two such examples.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of GBV in the world. According to Stats SA, one in five women in relationships have experienced physical violence by a partner. Nearly half (48%) of citizens say violence against women and girls is a “somewhat common” (23%) or “very-common” (25%) occurrence in their community. Furthermore, 46% of women feel very unsafe when walking alone in areas of residence when it’s dark. Over the last few years, government and civil society organisations has made significant strides to eradicate violence against women. However, the problem remains monumental. Over the period 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023, there were fewer murders compared to the same period in 2022. Attempted murder and Assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm both increased.
As dire as these numbers are, the real numbers are likely to be worse as most incidents of GBV go unreported. Victims are sometimes reluctant to report abuse because they feel that the justice and police systems shift blame to the victim rather than the perpetrator. “We used to get complaints from our clients about how badly they were treated at police stations”, said Ella Mangisa, Executive Director of the local women’s rights group Ilitha Labantu. “A woman running away from a violent situation would be told to go back and sort things out with her abuser or be told these are personal issues they need to resolve.” Reporting or seeking services for GBV can also lead to social stigma and ostracization, especially in rural communities.
The imbalance of power between women and men is the underlying cause of the problem. Patriarchal cultural attitudes and widespread poverty contribute to notions of masculinity being dominant. Unemployment and economic distress in the household often lead to alcoholism and substance abuse, which are great contributors to GBV. Survivors of GBV and their families experience long-lasting effects such as psychological trauma, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Violence also has substantial economic consequences.
Gender-based violence costs South Africa approximately R42.4 billion per year – or 1.3% of GDP, of why victims and their families bear the brunt.
What can businesses and policymakers do about this?
To prevent violence against women and their children, we have to challenge the beliefs and behaviours that excuse, justify or condone violence and inequality. South Africa already has a legislative framework in place aimed at addressing GBV. The laws are increasingly tightening. There are a few amendment bills proposed to close loopholes and curb the exploitation of the legal system by perpetrators of GBV. Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma warned that failure to enforce laws, including laws against domestic violence, rape and human trafficking, adopted over the past decade will limit their impact. She is also calling for engaging male allies. “It is critical that as a country and society, we encourage men to take action in denouncing the continuation of the trend of rape and violence against women and children while equally addressing the underlying causes of violent masculinity and physical abuse against women and children.”
Addressing GBV can be divided into response and prevention. Much of our effort in South Africa focuses on response. However, prevention initiatives should complete this approach. By addressing the underlying causes, we can work towards preventing GBV from happening in the first place. Educating boys and men so they value and respect women and children and economically empowering women can be helpful.
Response initiatives include training frontline workers so that they have a better understanding of this complex issue and can exhibit sensitivity with victims. Another initiative is to encourage individuals to report these crimes. When GBV crimes go unreported or are covered up, perpetrators are emboldened. Violence is enabled. It is the responsibility of all South Africans to end the culture of silence around gender-based violence and report perpetrators to the police. Bright Sky is Vodacom’s free-to-download app, providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
By Flux Trends
The data and quotes mentioned above refer to a project that we are in the midst of, in conjunction with Student Village called “The 30/30/30 Project” whereby we collected insights from 30 South Africans, under the age of 30, 30 years into our new democracy.
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
Book the From GenZ to Gen Alpha trend briefing, to get access to the latest insights about Gen Alpha.
Contact Bethea Clayton at connected@fluxtrends.co.za or +27764539405 to book this trend briefing for your team or clients.
Image credit: Cottonbro Studio
