Every three hours, a woman is murdered in South Africa. This is according to SAPS crime statistics which also revealed that a total of 2 695 women were murdered in South Africa between 2019 and 2020. Additionally, the World Health Organisation reported that our statistics of violence against women and children are one of the highest in the world. This, GBV is undoubtedly a continuously growing pandemic and is a cause for great concern.
In an attempt to address the scourge of GBV and femicide (GBVF), the South African Royal Princesses Network, in partnership with the Princess Gabo Foundatuon, hosted a first of its kind royal women imbizo. The 2-day event took place in Thaba Nchu, Free State on 29-30 April and saw various princesses from different parts of South Africa unitedly and actively seeking solutions to the current pandemic of GBV and femicide.
Joining the princesses were various stakeholders including traditional leaders, Old Mutual Foundation, the Department of Justice, Free State premier Sisi Ntombela as well as Thaba Nchu community members.
According to Princess Stella Sigcau of the South African Royal Princesses Network, spearheading such an event is the manifestation of the role which princesses play in society.
“Princesses are the backbone of our communities. It is our duty to address and fight for gender equality. We are united in the fight against GBV and are standing together for women emancipation,” she said
Day 1 of the event consisted of a discussion where the various stakeholders were able to dissect the possible causes of GBV while forging possible solutions. Some of the contributing factors which were discussed included gender roles, cultural norms, substance abuse and even forced marriages. Abuse and trauma also formed part of the discussions.
“The greatest battle of this generation is psychological freedom. Most of our men have not healed. Many of our homes are led by men who are bleeding inside,” said Nomfundo Mogapi of the Centre for Mental Wellness and Leadership.
Importantly, it was also highlighted that while many acts of violence are committed against women and children, men are no exception and can also become victims of GBV. After all had been said and done, the day was concluded with a GBV prayer service.
The start of day 2 saw all princesses and various stakeholders dressed in black #NoToGBVF caps and T-shirts, marching the streets of Thaba Nchu as they solidified their stance in the fight against the monstrous pandemic.
Thereafter, everyone gathered at the Barolong Boo Seleka Royal Kraal where actionable solutions were identified in the fight against GBVF. Addressing all in attendance, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela condemned gender based violence, highlighting that enough is enough and stating that it’s time to take action.
“We are constantly making noise but this thing [GBVF] doesn’t want to go away. This monster is destroying the nation,” she said.
Ntombela further urged all men to play their part in fighting the GBVF monster until it is finally defeated. She also emphasized the importance of unity amongst women and cultivating a culture of love and support instead of judgement.
Ultimately, the resolutions birthed by the imbizo highlight the need for a shift in how matters of GBVF are approached and dealt with.
“There’s a transformation that needs to happen. We need to move away from shame-based interventions to transformation based ones,” said Mogapi. .
[…] is a follow up on the MoU her organisation signed recently with the South African Royal Princesses Network (SARPN) on 25 February 2022 cooperating on the GBV Advocacy and Awareness. On the 22 March 2022 she met […]