GBV Program

Background

South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of gender-based violence (GBV), with women, children, and LGBTQIA+ individuals being the most affected. The National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF) serves as a comprehensive response framework to eradicate GBV through coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts. Schools and community hotspots are often breeding grounds for normalized violence, making them critical intervention points.

Purpose

The Safe Spaces GBV program aims to prevent and respond to GBV in high schools and identified community hotspots by fostering safe environments, empowering young people with knowledge and tools, and mobilizing community stakeholders to take collective action.

Alignment with the NSP on GBVF

The program supports all six pillars of the NSP, with a primary focus on the following:

Pillar 1: Accountability, Coordination & Leadership: Establishing school- and community-level GBV task teams and integrating local leadership into program oversight.
Pillar 2: Prevention and Rebuilding Social Cohesion: Implementing peer education, awareness campaigns, and safe zone initiatives in schools and communities.
Pillar 4: Response, Care, Support & Healing: Linking survivors to psychosocial support, healthcare, and justice services through partnerships with local clinics, SAPS, and NGOs.
Pillar 6: Research & Information Management: Collecting data on GBV incidents, attitudes, and responses to inform policy and adapt interventions.

Areas of Implementation

High Schools: Targeted implementation in schools identified as having high incidences of GBV, bullying, and gender inequality.
Hotspot Communities: Areas identified through SAPS reports and community mapping as GBV hotspots.

Target Groups

Learners (especially girls and LGBTQIA+ youth)
Teachers and school support staff
Parents and caregivers
Local community leaders and ward-based stakeholders
Youth and informal community networks (e.g., taxi ranks, taverns)

Core Strategies & Key Actions

1. Awareness and Education Campaigns

Curriculum Integration: Incorporate GBV awareness into school curricula, emphasizing human rights, consent, gender equality, and conflict resolution.
Teacher Training: Equip educators with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent, and respond to GBV.
Peer Education Programs: Train student leaders as peer educators to initiate GBV prevention dialogues and workshops.
Community Outreach: Host community dialogues, workshops, and outreach events led by local activists and youth groups.
Multimedia Campaigns: Leverage social media, local radio, posters, and community screenings to disseminate messages.

2. Survivor Support and Protection

School Safe Spaces: Create confidential spaces where survivors can report GBV incidents, receive emotional support, and access referrals.
Integrated Service Delivery: Establish partnerships with healthcare providers, social services, and legal aid organizations for holistic support.
Psychosocial Support Programs: Set up trauma-informed counseling services.
Legal Support: Collaborate with legal organizations to offer free legal advice, assist with court processes, and support restraining orders.
Safe Reporting Mechanisms: Develop secure channels for students and community members to report GBV incidents confidentially.

3. Strengthening Legal and Accountability Mechanisms

Policy Development: Support schools in developing and enforcing GBV-specific policies, reporting procedures, and consequences for offenders.
School-Police Partnerships: Establish stronger partnerships to facilitate swift action on reported GBV cases.
Training for Law Enforcement: Provide training for law enforcement officers on how to handle GBV cases in a sensitive and victim-centered manner.
Survivor-Centered Legal Processes: Advocate for legal reforms that prioritize the safety and well-being of GBV survivors throughout the legal process.
School Monitoring Committees: Establish committees responsible for overseeing the implementation of GBV policies and monitoring compliance.

4. Youth and Community Engagement

Boys and Young Men’s Programs: Create programs specifically targeted at young men and boys to challenge toxic masculinity and promote gender equality.
Community Leaders’ Training: Provide training to local leaders on GBV prevention, survivor support, and community engagement.
Youth-Led Campaigns: Empower youth groups to lead local campaigns and events that raise awareness and advocate for change.
Community Advocacy Groups: Create or strengthen community advocacy groups that can work together to monitor GBV cases, provide peer support, and mobilize resources.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Feedback Mechanisms

Baseline Data Collection: Conduct surveys and focus groups to assess the current state of GBV in schools and communities.
Data Tracking Systems: Develop systems to track reported GBV incidents, responses, and outcomes.
Regular Evaluations: Conduct mid-term and final evaluations of GBV programs.
Feedback Loops: Create feedback loops with students, teachers, parents, and community members.
Annual Reporting: Publish annual reports on the progress made in combating GBV.

Resources and Partnerships

Government Agencies: Strengthen partnerships with relevant government departments (Education, Social Development, SAPS, Health).
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Collaborate with national and international NGOs focused on GBV prevention, advocacy, and survivor support.
Local Community Groups: Engage local community-based organizations, traditional leaders, and faith-based organizations.
Academic Institutions: Partner with universities and research organizations to conduct studies, data collection, and evaluations.

Deliverables and Outputs

10 schools and 5 community hotspots engaged
At least 100 Peer Educators trained
10 School GBV Watch Clubs established
Community GBV referral network in place
Monthly community events or dialogues hosted
2 formal evaluation reports (midline and endline)

Expected Outcomes

Increased awareness of GBV in schools and communities.
Shifting of harmful gender stereotypes, promoting positive behavior change, especially among young people.
More students, teachers, and community members actively participating in GBV prevention activities.
Increased confidence among survivors to report incidents of GBV.
Strengthened survivor recovery through access to immediate and comprehensive care.
Reduced victim-blaming and stigma surrounding GBV victims.
Increased accountability for GBV offenders.
More transparent and effective legal responses to GBV incidents.
Safer school environments where GBV policies are enforced consistently.
Increased engagement of young people, especially men and boys, in GBV prevention.
Stronger community involvement in supporting survivors and preventing GBV.
Positive shifts in attitudes toward gender roles and relationships.
Continuous improvement of GBV prevention programs based on data and community input.
Evidence of the effectiveness of the program in reducing GBV in schools and communities.
Accountability for achieving the strategic goals and outcomes.

Gender Based Violence Program