While the world observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, activists and NGOs believe the campaign has not shown any significant impact in curbing the scourge.
Crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele this week showed a surge in violent attacks against women.
Between July and September, 989 women were murdered in the country, an increase of 10.3 % from 897 for the same period last year.
More than 1 200 women were victims of attempted murder between July and September, compared to 1 155 for the same period in 2021.
Additionally, 13 701 women were victims of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm during that same period, which was an increase of 1 877 incidents from last year.
The stats also showed that an average of 115 women were raped daily over the three months.
The Department of Justice said at least 229 courts countrywide deal with sexual offences matters, and 102 provide support services to victims.
However, gender specialist on violence against women and researcher at the University of Witwatersrand Lisa Vetten said while the 16 Days of Activism campaign had managed to raise public awareness since its inception in 1990, it has not had any significant impact on changing how legislation deals with matters of violence against women.
“Authorities like to share what they regard as success stories, but the public needs to go beyond what is presented to them; analyse the information to hold those in power accountable.
“Recently we were told of the success in conviction rates of perpetrators of violence, however, over the last 10 years there’s been a decline in the number of cases that the National Prosecuting Authority has been handling and bringing to court.
“The recent crime stats are also not helpful if it's not telling us the reasons behind the increase,“ said Vetten.
Another anti-gender-based violence activist, Reverent June Dolley-Major, said even though political leaders talk “of a good conviction rate”, the abuse of women was taking place daily.
“To me, they need to focus on the 97% of cases which fell through the cracks and no conviction was secured.
“We also need more Thuthuzela centres because most cases that secured a high conviction were reported at the centre. We need more of these support structures.”
Dolley-Major also called on the justice system to jerk up its systems and not grant bail or parole to offenders.
Vetten said the support that women needed in the fight against GBV and femicide was often misunderstood by those in power.
“It is well and good to say that in line with the theme (to boost women’s socio-economic rights), the focus will be placed on building women entrepreneurs. But if that alone doesn't address women’s access to finance support and safety issues, it will not have any impact.
“The challenges facing women are complex and solutions need to address those complexities,” Vetten believed.
Research on the costly impact of GBV: Private Sector Perceptions and Realities in South Africa conducted in 2021/2022 found that GBV was rooted in gender inequality and unequal power.
It called on the private sector to play a role in fighting the scourge by implementing gender equality principles in the workplace, supply chain and contributions in the wider society.
“At present, the topic of GBV does not feature in corporate social responsibility or BBBEE indices and must be included in corporate strategy,” the report recommended.
Professor Corne Davis from the University of Johannesburg, who conducted the research, said all sectors of society needed to be involved to win the fight against GBV.
“We cannot afford to be silent bystanders who don’t speak up when GBV occurs. If people are abusing children, say something and report them. Same with other kinds of violence in the home. Neighbours cannot afford to say anything. Family members cannot continue to pretend they don’t know what is going on. Mothers who stay in abusive relationships and expose children to continuous abuse with vast consequences should be given places of safety.
“Private sector organisations, universities, public service providers, churches, schools and NGOs should all work together to change our society and to educate both perpetrators and victims,” said Davis.