In South Africa, gender equality is not just a goal—it's a fundamental human right and a crucial pillar for the development of a just and equitable society. Yet, despite significant progress, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue that affects the lives of millions of women and girls across the country. At UNFPA South Africa, we are committed to advancing gender equality and providing robust responses to GBV, working hand in hand with the government, civil society, and communities to create lasting change.

The Gender Equality Imperative

Gender equality is about ensuring that all people, regardless of their gender, have equal opportunities, rights, and access to resources. It involves challenging and changing societal norms, attitudes, and structures that perpetuate discrimination and inequality. In South Africa, the journey towards gender equality is intertwined with the broader struggle against racial and economic disparities, making it a complex and multifaceted challenge.

UNFPA South Africa works to promote gender equality through a range of initiatives that empower women and girls, enhance their access to education and healthcare, and advocate for their rights. By supporting comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, we ensure that women and girls have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.

Responding to Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence is one of the most severe manifestations of gender inequality, and its impact is devastating. It not only harms the physical and mental health of survivors but also erodes their confidence, limits their opportunities, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and discrimination.

UNFPA South Africa is at the forefront of efforts to prevent and respond to GBV. Our approach is holistic, addressing the root causes of violence while providing critical support to survivors. This includes:

• Prevention and Education: We work with communities to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes that underpin violence. Through education and awareness campaigns, we engage men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV, promoting positive masculinity and respect for women’s rights.
• Support Services for Survivors: UNFPA supports the establishment and strengthening of services that provide survivors with the care and support they need. This includes access to healthcare, legal assistance, psychosocial support, and safe spaces where survivors can heal and rebuild their lives.
• Advocacy and Policy Reform: We advocate for stronger policies and laws to protect women and girls from violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. Our work with the government and partners aims to improve the implementation of existing laws and to close gaps in the protection of survivors.
• Data and Research: Understanding the scope and nature of GBV is essential for effective intervention. UNFPA South Africa conducts and supports research that provides reliable data on GBV, which is crucial for informing policy decisions and program design.

Partnerships for Change

Addressing gender inequality and GBV requires a collaborative effort. UNFPA South Africa partners with the government, NGOs, community organizations, and the private sector to amplify our impact. By fostering these partnerships, we create a united front against GBV, ensuring that our interventions are comprehensive and far-reaching.

Vision for the Future

At UNFPA South Africa, we envision a future where gender equality is a reality, where every woman and girl lives free from violence, and where their rights and dignity are upheld. Achieving this vision requires sustained commitment, innovative approaches, and the active participation of all sectors of society.

As we continue our work, we remain focused on empowering women and girls, challenging the structures that sustain inequality, and providing hope and support to those affected by GBV. Together, we can build a safer, more equitable South Africa for all.

In South Africa, gender equality is not just a goal—it's a fundamental human right and a crucial pillar for the development of a just and equitable society. Yet, despite significant progress, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue that affects the lives of millions of women and girls across the country. At UNFPA South Africa, we are committed to advancing gender equality and providing robust responses to GBV, working hand in hand with the government, civil society, and communities to create lasting change.

The Gender Equality Imperative

Gender equality is about ensuring that all people, regardless of their gender, have equal opportunities, rights, and access to resources. It involves challenging and changing societal norms, attitudes, and structures that perpetuate discrimination and inequality. In South Africa, the journey towards gender equality is intertwined with the broader struggle against racial and economic disparities, making it a complex and multifaceted challenge.

UNFPA South Africa works to promote gender equality through a range of initiatives that empower women and girls, enhance their access to education and healthcare, and advocate for their rights. By supporting comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, we ensure that women and girls have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.

Responding to Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence is one of the most severe manifestations of gender inequality, and its impact is devastating. It not only harms the physical and mental health of survivors but also erodes their confidence, limits their opportunities, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and discrimination.

UNFPA South Africa is at the forefront of efforts to prevent and respond to GBV. Our approach is holistic, addressing the root causes of violence while providing critical support to survivors. This includes:

Prevention and Education: We work with communities to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes that underpin violence. Through education and awareness campaigns, we engage men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV, promoting positive masculinity and respect for women’s rights.

Support Services for Survivors: UNFPA supports the establishment and strengthening of services that provide survivors with the care and support they need. This includes access to healthcare, legal assistance, psychosocial support, and safe spaces where survivors can heal and rebuild their lives.

Advocacy and Policy Reform: We advocate for stronger policies and laws to protect women and girls from violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. Our work with the government and partners aims to improve the implementation of existing laws and to close gaps in the protection of survivors.

Data and Research: Understanding the scope and nature of GBV is essential for effective intervention. UNFPA South Africa conducts and supports research that provides reliable data on GBV, which is crucial for informing policy decisions and program design.

Partnerships for Change

Addressing gender inequality and GBV requires a collaborative effort. UNFPA South Africa partners with the government, NGOs, community organizations, and the private sector to amplify our impact. By fostering these partnerships, we create a united front against GBV, ensuring that our interventions are comprehensive and far-reaching.

Vision for the Future

At UNFPA South Africa, we envision a future where gender equality is a reality, where every woman and girl lives free from violence, and where their rights and dignity are upheld. Achieving this vision requires sustained commitment, innovative approaches, and the active participation of all sectors of society.

As we continue our work, we remain focused on empowering women and girls, challenging the structures that sustain inequality, and providing hope and support to those affected by GBV. Together, we can build a safer, more equitable South Africa for all.

Join Us

UNFPA South Africa calls on all stakeholders—government, civil society, communities, and individuals—to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can create a society where gender equality is the norm and where violence against women and girls is not tolerated. Let us continue to strive for a future where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.

UNFPA South Africa calls on all stakeholders—government, civil society, communities, and individuals—to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can create a society where gender equality is the norm and where violence against women and girls is not tolerated. Let us continue to strive for a future where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.