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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – 2025 In Partnership with PSS for Professionals
About PPS for Professionals
PPS for Professionals was established in 1941 and stands as the only mutual financial services company in South Africa dedicated exclusively to graduate professionals. The organisation is committed to providing its members with customised solutions, offering a comprehensive range of insurance, investment, and healthcare products tailored to meet the unique needs of professionals. With a workforce of over 600 employees, PPS for Professionals prioritises supporting its members in securing their financial futures and well-being. www.pps.co.za
Introduction
This year, to mark the 16 Days of Activism for Gender-Based Violence, the Hope to Heal Foundation, in collaboration with PSS for Professionals, has come together to address the critical issue of abuse against women and girls. The initiative is dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding around the various forms of gender-based violence that impact individuals and communities.
The presentation during this campaign placed particular emphasis on raising awareness about gender-based violence, with a special focus on ensuring the safety of those at risk within the context of human trafficking. By highlighting these interconnected challenges, the programme aims to illuminate the seriousness of gender-based violence and human trafficking, equipping communities with essential knowledge and practical strategies for prevention, intervention, and support.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign coordinated by UN Women. This campaign takes place each year between 25 November, which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and 10 December, recognised as Human Rights Day.
Throughout these sixteen days, communities worldwide unite in their efforts to prevent and eradicate violence directed at women and girls. The campaign originated in 1991, when activists launched it during the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute. Now, more than thirty years later, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence has become a prominent and respected global movement, inspiring action to confront and end gender-based violence.
During the campaign, organisations and individuals across the globe work to highlight the reality that men’s violence against women constitutes a profound violation of human rights. Through advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives, the campaign encourages collective responsibility in addressing and ultimately ending all forms of gender-based violence.
Understanding Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence, sometimes referred to as gendered violence, encompasses any form of physical or non-physical violence or abuse perpetrated against an individual or group due to prejudiced or harmful beliefs about gender. This type of violence includes all forms of harmful acts directed at people because of their gender, or that disproportionately affect individuals of a particular gender. While the term is often used to describe violence against women and girls by men, it is not limited to this context.
Violence against members of LGBTIQA+ communities that stems from their gender identity, expression, or perceived deviation from societal gender norms is also recognised as gender-based violence. Furthermore, men and boys may also become victims of violence as a result of not conforming to traditional gender roles or due to their gender.
The United Nations’ global 16 Days of Activism campaign primarily addresses men’s violence against women, which is the focus in most discussions. The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that causes or could cause physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of harm or coercion, in public or in private life.”
The underlying causes of this violence are well understood, providing an opportunity to collectively address and challenge the social conditions that allow such violence to occur. The majority of family and gender-based violence is perpetrated by men, including most violence against other men. Statistics indicate that 95% of victims of all violence, regardless of their gender, experience violence at the hands of a male perpetrator. This pattern is significantly influenced by social narratives that promote aggression, dominance, and emotional suppression in men. While evidence shows that women’s violence against male partners is typically motivated by self-defence, it is important to acknowledge that some women are also abusive towards their partners.
Drivers of Men’s Violence Against Women
Research has identified four key factors, known as gendered drivers, that contribute to men’s violence against women. Understanding these drivers is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Condoning Violence Against Women
One significant driver is the acceptance or justification of violence against women. This can manifest as blaming women for not leaving abusive relationships or excusing the behaviour of perpetrators. When violence is condoned or normalised within society, it creates an environment where such acts are more likely to occur.
Men’s Control of Decision-Making and Limits to Women’s Independence
Another driver is the control exerted by men over decision-making processes, both in public and private spheres. This includes the belief that men should hold authority in relationships and workplaces, which restricts women’s independence and agency. Such dynamics reinforce power imbalances and increase the risk of violence against women.
Rigid Gender Stereotyping and Dominant Forms of Masculinity
Rigid gender stereotypes and dominant ideals of masculinity also play a crucial role. Societal expectations that men must be tough, assertive, and in control, while women are expected to be submissive, contribute to harmful power dynamics. These stereotypes can perpetuate attitudes and behaviours that support violence against women.
Male Peer Relations and Culture of Masculinity
Peer relationships among men and cultures that emphasise aggression, dominance, and control further drive violence. This may include the use of sexist or homophobic language and behaviours that reinforce a culture of inequality and hostility. When combined with other gendered drivers, these factors make violence against women more likely.
It is important to note that while these factors alone may not directly cause violence, their interaction with gendered drivers significantly increases the likelihood of violence against women. Therefore, actively challenging these drivers and addressing the reinforcing factors is vital in preventing men’s violence against women.
Physical Violence Against Women in South Africa
A comprehensive study conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council has brought to light the alarming extent of physical violence experienced by women in South Africa. The research found that 33.1% of all women aged 18 years and older reported having experienced physical violence at some point in their lives. When applied to the national population, this translates to approximately 7,310,389 women who have endured physical abuse.
The study also revealed significant variations in the prevalence of violence among different groups. Specifically, Black African women reported a much higher incidence of lifetime physical violence compared to women from other racial groups. In addition, the data indicated that women who were cohabiting but not married faced a greater risk of physical violence than those who were married or not currently in a relationship.
Teenage Pregnancy Resulting from Sexual Assault in South Africa
Teenage pregnancy continues to be a critical concern in South Africa, with recent statistics highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. Data from the most recent financial year (2024) shows that one in seven mothers in the country are teenagers. During this period, more than 122,000 teenagers gave birth, reflecting the significant number of young people entering parenthood during their formative years.
Of the total teenage births recorded in 2024, 2,716 involved girls aged between 10 and 14, while 119,587 were girls aged between 15 and 19. These figures are indicative of a substantial challenge facing the nation, as thousands of young girls take on the responsibilities of motherhood at a very young age.
The data from 2023 further underscores the seriousness of the situation, with 11,500 babies born to girls aged 10 to 14 across South Africa. It is important to acknowledge that these numbers may not capture the full scope of the issue, as some cases of teenage pregnancy may go unreported.
The Tragic Reality: Crimes Against Girl Children
The statistics on teenage pregnancy point to a distressing reality for girl children in South Africa. Many of these pregnancies are the result of serious crimes, including statutory rape and abuse, occurring within communities. Despite the prevalence of these offences, there have been no arrests reported in connection with these cases. This lack of accountability highlights the urgent need for stronger protection measures and justice for vulnerable children who are victims of such crimes.
Objectives
- Increase Understanding of Gender-Based Violence
- Deepen awareness of gender-based violence by examining its effects on individuals and society. This involves exploring the multifaceted impacts of violence, including physical, emotional, and social consequences for victims, families, and communities.
- Highlight the Connection Between Gender-Based Violence and Human Trafficking
- Emphasise how gender-based violence is linked to human trafficking. Recognising this relationship helps to illustrate how patterns of abuse and exploitation can lead to further vulnerabilities, with individuals at risk of being trafficked as a result of gender-based harms.
- Promote Safety Measures and Preventive Strategies
- Advocate for effective safety practices and strategies to prevent human trafficking. This includes raising awareness about protective actions, community safeguards, and the importance of early intervention to reduce risk and enhance safety.
- Understanding Social Conditions Driving Violence
- Taking meaningful action against the causes of family and gender-based violence requires a thorough understanding of the social circumstances that predict and drive these behaviours. Addressing these underlying conditions is essential for developing targeted interventions and fostering safer communities.
Intended Outcomes
Increased Awareness of Gender-Based Violence and Human Trafficking
One of the primary outcomes is to enhance awareness surrounding the risks and realities associated with gender-based violence and human trafficking. By fostering a deeper understanding, individuals and communities will be better equipped to identify, respond to, and prevent these issues.
Improved Knowledge of Safety Practices
Another key outcome is the improvement of knowledge regarding effective safety practices. This involves equipping individuals and communities with information and strategies that can help reduce vulnerability and promote safer environments.
Strengthened Community Engagement in Prevention
The programme also aims to cultivate stronger engagement within communities for the prevention of gender-based violence and human trafficking. Through collective action and increased participation, communities can play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and promoting long-term change.
