Changing norms to reduce GBV
SOUTH Africa, the country with the worst inequality in the world, is grappling with deeply entrenched gender disparities. The main problem is, inequality in South Africa is not only marked by economic and social divisions, but is profoundly gendered.
Normative role expectations associated with each gender, as well as the unequal power relationships between genders, mean that gender inequalities underlie gender-based violence (GBV). Also, because GBV intersects with norms governing sexuality, other marginalised populations such as sex workers, gender minorities and queer communities are also targets of GBV.
To combat GBV and pave the way for a more gender-equal society, South Africa must confront the systemic issues perpetuating gender inequalities.
In South Africa, ongoing legacies of racism, dispossession, and enduring structural and interpersonal violence, have resulted in rates of femicide (which is the intentional murder of women because they are women) being five times higher than the global average. GBV takes many forms, with femicide, domestic violence, sexual violence, physical violence, emotional violence, and economic violence being the most often recorded in South Africa.
Violence against women also infiltrates critical sexual and reproductive health-care services, manifesting in psychological violence, for example the threat of violence, reproductive coercion, and the denial of freedom and autonomy.
These examples reflect a bidirectional relationship – where GBV is not only rooted in gender inequality but is also a driver of gender inequality as it targets women (and minorities) because they are women (and minorities).
Not only does GBV have negative health effects, but even the institutions women approach for sexual and reproductive health care are implicated in its continuation.
Gender inequality is deeply rooted in dynamics surrounding family formation, childcare, financial responsibility, and women’s participation in education and labour markets. Understanding Gender Inequality, a transdisciplinary report authored by Percept consultants on behalf of the Inclusive Society Institute, delves into the underlying causes and effects of gender inequality, with a particular focus on care and families.
It highlights that the challenges in combating GBV in South Africa are multifaceted. Fewer than 10% of rape cases result in guilty verdicts, primarily due to systemic issues within the underperforming police sector and the influence of gender norms within law enforcement.
So, what can be done to address the situation? South Africa’s legal system is grounded in human rights principles. The Constitution upholds the right to equality for all individuals, irrespective of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. However, a stark disconnect exists between legal frameworks and their enforcement.
Enhancing accountability for transgressions of women’s rights is necessary to ensure greater safety and protection for women, children, and vulnerable populations.
This includes incentivising the police to capture and prosecute perpetrators, expediting investigations, and implementing behavioural change training programmes to address the
CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute
secondary victimisation experienced by survivors when reporting cases.
But the work required doesn’t stop with legal and political stakeholders. Cecile Jackson’s research highlights that gender equality is not a linear binary. Instead, she implores people to understand that gender roles and norms are constantly reformed and reconfigured, over generations, and are influenced by who holds power in these generational moments. This applies to family systems as well.
Feminist decolonial scholars point to the structural violence of the apartheid system, where power was regulated in the family system through assigning racialised and gendered labour roles, creating an asymmetrical power dynamic where men had greater access to public life than women. Redress of historical forms of gendered violence within families requires an intersectional approach.
Families are recognised by human rights agencies as key partners in realising the sustainable development goals and promoting human rights, equality and dignity.
They are the primary level of socialisation
where children learn the norms and standards of society.
Men’s involvement in transforming gender norms is equally important as women. Feminism acknowledges that patriarchy harms both men and women. Shifting away from patriarchal norms that perpetuate harmful behaviours and power imbalances can positively affect men’s health and personal relationships.
Encouraging paternal involvement in childcare challenges traditional gender roles and fosters democratic citizenship. By actively engaging in caring labour and recognising the effort required, men are more likely to extend their participation to other areas of care within their family and society.
Transforming harmful cultural practices and challenging social norms requires comprehensive engagement and dialogue.
Robust community involvement, where individuals can share their stories and trust mechanisms that safeguard the airing of grievances, is crucial. The 2020 National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is a promising
multi-sectoral strategic framework to realise a country free from GBVF. It centres around six pillars: accountability, co-ordination and leadership; prevention and social cohesion; justice, safety and protection; response, care, support and healing; economic power; and research and information management.
To ensure tangible results, stakeholders from all sectors must collaborate to implement the NSP, while the government should integrate it into planning processes and allocate sufficient resources.
South Africa faces immense challenges on its path towards achieving gender equality and reducing GBVF. Transforming the norms perpetuating gender disparities is a long-term endeavour.
As we walk the road to a more gender-equal society, nurturing an ethic of care becomes crucial. By doing so, we can restore and reclaim our dignity and freedom as enshrined in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
As we walk the road to a more gender-equal society, nurturing an ethic of care becomes crucial
This is the third of a three-part series that details some key aspects of gender inequality in South Africa.