Beyond the Campaign: Empowering Youth for Year-Round Action Against GBV

In South Africa, a woman is murdered every three hours - one of the highest gender-based violence (GBV) rates in the world. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign reminds us of this urgent crisis, but the fight against GBV cannot be confined to just 16 days. It demands action every single day, with young people leading the charge and cultural practices like Ulwaluko (traditional male initiation) becoming allies in this fight.

 

South Africa continues to grapple with alarming rates of GBV, as highlighted in the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) first South African GBV report. The report exposes systemic gaps in prevention and response that perpetuate violence against women and children.

 

Despite the existence of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), its implementation is inconsistent and underfunded. Too often, resources are concentrated during campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism and then dwindle throughout the rest of the year. This fragmented approach not only weakens efforts to address the root causes of GBV but also fails to provide survivors with sustained support.

 

The 16 Days campaign is more than a symbolic gesture - it is a call to action. To combat GBV effectively, South Africa must adopt an integrated and year-round approach. Anti-GBV programs need consistent funding, robust implementation, and mechanisms to ensure accountability. Survivor support services, from shelters to legal aid, must remain accessible every day of the year. Additionally, societal change must be fostered through education and community engagement, targeting the harmful norms that allow GBV to persist.

 

The Africa Youth Survey 2024, conducted by the Ichikowitz Foundation, highlights a critical insight: African youth are ready to disrupt harmful norms. With 75% of young Africans expressing concern about GBV, young South Africans are uniquely positioned to lead the fight. Platforms like social media, educational institutions, and community organizations enable young people to challenge toxic masculinity, advocate for gender equality, and promote healthy relationships.

 

Peer education programs, where young people teach one another about respect and consent, have already proven effective in shifting attitudes. However, barriers such as limited mentorship, insufficient funding, and lack of institutional support often hold youth activists back. To truly empower young people as change agents, it is essential to invest in their development through capacity-building initiatives and by amplifying their voices in policymaking and implementation processes.

 

As the season of Ulwaluko unfolds in the Eastern Cape, it provides an opportunity to reflect on how culture intersects with gender relations. This deeply rooted Xhosa tradition, a rite of passage for young men, teaches values such as respect, responsibility, and manhood. However, in a context often shaped by patriarchy, these teachings can inadvertently reinforce harmful gender norms.

 

To harness the transformative potential of Ulwaluko, cultural leaders and initiation schools must incorporate teachings that promote gender equality and condemn GBV. Discussions on healthy masculinity, respect for women, and the importance of consent should become integral parts of the initiation process. By reshaping the narrative around manhood, Ulwaluko can become a platform for nurturing young men who are allies in the fight against GBV.

 

To effectively address GBV, South Africa needs sustained year-round funding and resources to support accessible shelters, counselling services, and legal aid for survivors. Youth must be empowered through mentorship, training, and resources that enable them to lead efforts promoting gender equality in their communities. Partnerships with cultural leaders can further integrate gender equality teachings into traditional practices like Ulwaluko and foster dialogue on how culture can drive positive change.

 

Comprehensive gender education programs should also be implemented in schools and communities to teach respect, consent, and healthy relationships. Moreover, the NSP-GBVF must be enforced with mechanisms to monitor progress and hold stakeholders accountable.

 

As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, let us remember that the fight against GBV requires more than a seasonal campaign. It demands unwavering commitment, year-round action, and the collective efforts of government, civil society, cultural leaders, and, most importantly, the youth.

 

Let the spirit of the 16 Days of Activism ignite a movement that lasts 365 days a year. Together, we can build a South Africa where gender-based violence is not a norm but a distant memory.

 

Simamkele Fatuse is the Founder and Executive Director of Amplifying Youth Voices (AYV) NPO. A passionate youth leader, Simamkele also serves as a member of the Youth Policy Committee (Inclusive Societies) under the Youth Programmes of the South African Institute of International Affairs (Youth@SAIIA).

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