Few shifts in lived realities of women

Madam,

'espite critical developments and many others over the past years, the scourge of gender-based violence GBV continues to plague our society. 7he continued prevalence of GBV is influenced by the absence of clear accountability frameworks across each sector of society. 7his often manifests in fragmented responses, poor resource allocation and coordination, as well as limited channels to hold each other accountable from individuals to the institutions we serve. 7he call for strengthened accountability across all sectors of society is not a new one. $t the heart of this call is cultivating a culture and ethics of accountability at all national levels, through a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach in responding to GBV.

PROXIMITY

$ccountability is a nuanced process, and it is largely informed by one's proximity to resources and power. 7he standards and criteria for accountability will vary from the 6tate, private sector, civil society, development partners and society more broadly. 3romoting accountability could be the necessary catalyst we need to cultivate cross-sectoral collaboration to address GBV. I

believe, through accountability and embracing the diversity and strength each sector brings, we can challenge the narrative that different sectors of society cannot work together towards a common agenda. (Tually, it is critical that the 6tate takes the lead in the process of accountability.

I am also calling on government to do more in the fight against GBV. :e need to witness more of government¶s strategic frameworks of its departments, including annual performance plans in this fight. If we understand GBV to be a violent manifestation of gender and structural ineTualities, then structural responses need to be made.

7here are very few practical shifts

in the lived realities of women and children in our country. :e are still faced with weekly reports and disturbing social media content of horrendous acts of violence that we are subMected to in our country. :e owe it to the hundreds of women and children who have lost their lives and sense of dignity to the scourge.

8ntil fundamental changes happen, there will always be a need for us to come together across sectors of society to strengthen collaborative efforts in responding to GBV. /et us work together for the institutionalisation of accountability to accelerate and amplify efforts to end the scourge of GBV.

Mashabane,