Local author launches a book that aims to combat GBVF
Dr. Jefferson has recently launched his book titled ‘GBVF in South Africa’ which aims to fight the levels of abuse the country is currently facing.
Renowned researcher and author Dr. Jefferson Khumalo has turned his doctoral thesis into a ground-breaking book that addresses the widespread problem of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
His research is an essential contribution to the ongoing struggle against a pervasive social issue.
South Africa, which Human Rights Watch has dubbed the “rape capital of the world,” has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, including rape, female homicide, and domestic abuse.
According to Jefferson, these problems are made worse by the historical legacy of apartheid-era rule of law, enduring patriarchal cultural views, and widespread poverty.
In addition to harming women, gender-based violence also affects males who commit these crimes, their offspring, and women themselves. It puts women’s mental, physical, and reproductive health at serious risk and exacerbates the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
A crisis in society
In his work, Jefferson draws attention to these startling figures:
South Africa has a female homicide rate of about 24.6 per 100,000 people, which is over six times higher than the world average.
Even with laws and government initiatives, the rate of rape has only dropped by 6% since 1996.
Of the individuals in South Africa who confess to raping at least one woman, over 28% are repeat offenders. Remarkably, 7.7% of respondents acknowledged raping ten or more women or girls.
Taking care of the underlying issues
Jefferson stresses how critical it is to view gender-based violence as a social issue as opposed to a “women’s issue.”
Important tactics for reducing GBV include:
Educating boys and men: Instilling respect and gender equality at an early age.
Assisting victims: Offering assistance and secure environments to women who have experienced abuse. Empowerment & self-defence: Providing instruction to enable women to defend themselves.
Government accountability: Keeping an eye on and enhancing the application of laws and regulations aimed at safeguarding women.
Jefferson stresses how critical it is to view gender-based violence as a social issue as opposed to a “women’s issue.”
Important tactics for reducing GBV include:
Educating boys and men: Instilling respect and gender equality at an early age.
Assisting victims: Offering assistance and secure environments to women who have experienced abuse.
Empowerment & self-defence: Providing instruction to enable women to defend themselves.
Government accountability: Keeping an eye on and enhancing the application of laws and regulations aimed at safeguarding women.
Personal tragedy fuels advocacy
Jefferson has a strong personal commitment to reducing gender-based violence. He told a frightful story about how his first son was murdered by his stepfather in Pretoria.
“Our children should feel safe not just at home but also at school and on the streets,” he said.
His resolve to raise awareness of the problem and push for improved protection for young women and children has been strengthened by this personal tragedy.
An appeal for intervention
Jefferson’s work is a call to action as well as an academic reference.
He wants to draw attention to how urgently society has to change as he gets ready for his son court’s proceedings.
Jefferson’s work serves as a potent reminder that stopping gender-based violence necessitates teamwork.
Through community education, victim support, and holding offenders accountable, South Africa may move closer to a safer, more just society.
