Ramaphosa hails govt’s progress in fight against GBV
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the work of government in the fight against gender-based violence.
Ramaphosa made the remarks during a virtual keynote address for Women’s Day.
It’s been three years since government convened the Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide to fight the rising violence against women.
On Monday, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the need for equal rights, dignity, economic liberation and freedom from violence.
“Today, we are formally releasing the one-year progress report on the implementation of the National Strategic Plan. Over the past year, in partnership with civil society, we have worked together to give effect to the six pillars of the National Strategic Plan,” said Ramaphosa.
“Although the launch of the plan coincided with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have nevertheless made measurable progress.”
As part of the work to provide justice and support to survivors of gender-based violence, Ramaphosa listed the 32 regional courts designated as sexual offences courts in various parts the country.
“Around 3,500 Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences investigating officers have received specialised training to do their work,” said Ramaphosa.
“Twelve public buildings have been renovated and repurposed to be used as shelters, and work has been done to ensure that all police stations in our country have sexual assault evidence kits.”
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There has been important legal reform as well.
“Key legislation around domestic violence, bail and the sentencing of offenders, as well as broadening the scope of sexual offences and other matters is currently before Parliament.
“Our courts are handing down harsh penalties and sentences to those found guilty of gender-based violence and conviction rates in sexual offences cases have improved. We will soon ratify the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 190, which addresses sexual harassment and violence in the workplace,” Ramaphosa added.
The GBVF Private Sector Response Fund launched earlier this year has received more than R140 million in pledges.
