Uber stands up against gender-based violence
According to StatsSA, 21 per cent of women over the age of 18 reported that they have experienced violence, with six per cent reporting sexual violence.
UBER has announced a partnership with Soul City Institute, a leading social justice organisation for young women and girls in South Africa, aimed at preventing and mitigating sexual assault against women.
Uber and Soul City will be hosting a series of listening tours across South Africa, together with other experts and advocates in this space, culminating in the launch of a new set of transformative content for Uber employees, drivers and riders in South Africa.
According to StatsSA, 21 per cent of women over the age of 18 reported that they have experienced violence, with six per cent reporting sexual violence.
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As frightening as these statistics are, it is believed the numbers are in fact much higher as under-reporting of gender-based violence (GBV) is deeply entrenched in South African culture.
The partnership with Soul City reinforces Uber’s commitment to raise awareness about sexual norms and challenge social norms in order to make a meaningful contribution to prevent it.
“As engaged members of the communities we serve, working with Soul City Institute to raise awareness and prevent sexual harassment in South Africa is a priority for us. Together with Soul City, we will continue to develop, collaborate and launch initiatives to help drive social change in South Africa,” said Alon Lits, Uber General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.
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“Soul City is pleased to be working with Uber in South Africa, and our joint efforts will help hopefully protect women and girls against GBV. We are hoping our work together will reach the 12 000 active drivers using the Uber app in South Africa as well as the 969 000 active riders relying on Uber for safe and reliable rides,” said Lebo Ramafoko, Soul City Institute’s CEO.
Tracey Breeden, head of Global Safety Communications at Uber said: “Our goal has been to listen and learn so that we are better equipped to make changes that matter. These initiatives would not have been possible without the insight and guidance from our partners and members of our Safety Advisory Board.”
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