Why a victim-centred approach is crucial in combating GBV in South Africa
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called for an urgent, coordinated and victim-centred national response to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), describing it as one of the most pervasive human rights violations facing women and children in South Africa.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion held at Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria on Friday, Tolashe said it was time to confront service delivery failures and legislative gaps that continue to deny survivors the justice and protection they deserve.
'This initiative is an urgent call for a more coordinated, victim-centred, and accountable approach to combating GBVF and ensuring justice and protection for women and children,' the Minister said.
The high-level engagement was organised as part of Youth Month, responding to the increasing public outcry regarding the surge in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases and the sluggish pace of government interventions.
It brought together state officials, civil society groups, and shelter service providers to assess progress on the National Strategic Plan and chart a more effective way forward.
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