Why South African Businesses Need to Invest More in Preventing GBV

Research from the Human Sciences Research Council shows the scale of the crisis, with one in three South African women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime.

Over the past two decades, South Africa has expanded its response through government programmes, civil society initiatives and interventions such as Thuthuzela Care Centres, which bring healthcare, police, social development and justice services together to support survivors.

But Francis says the country also needs to invest more deliberately in prevention.

What role can business play?

With businesses employing millions of people, companies have an opportunity to influence workplace culture as well as families and communities.

Francis says businesses can strengthen existing employee and social investment programmes by supporting:

• Mental health services for women

• Access to GBVF support and hotlines

• Programmes that engage men around healthy relationships

• Positive and engaged fatherhood

• Economic opportunities for women

She argues that creating healthier environments for families and children can help address the intergenerational cycle of violence.

Using CSI to prevent violence

Francis says businesses do not necessarily need to create entirely new programmes or significantly increase their CSI budgets.

Instead, existing investments in education, youth development and healthcare can be designed with GBVF prevention in mind.

Practical interventions can also make a difference, including better lighting in high-risk areas, transport support for women travelling at night or early in the morning, and community safety programmes.

One programme highlighted by Tshikululu is Stepping Stones, an evidence-based initiative that combines social behaviour change with economic empowerment.

The programme works with couples to improve communication, address gender and relationship dynamics and build healthier relationships. Women also receive practical skills to identify and pursue income-generating opportunities.

Prevention takes time

Francis says changing behaviours and social norms will not happen overnight, meaning businesses and funders need to look beyond how much money was spent or how many people participated in a programme.

The bigger question is whether attitudes, behaviours and social norms are changing.

While survivor support remains essential, Francis says prevention needs to become an equally important part of South Africa's response to GBVF.

“Prevention requires a whole-of-society approach,” she says, calling on government, civil society and business to work together to create safer communities.