Gender based violence costly to the economy

The South African United Business Confederation (SAUBC), in collaboration with The Joe Slovo Foundation, The University of Johannesburg, and Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (UK) will host a virtual conference on Gender Based Violence on November 23.

Jacki Mpondo-Hendricks, chief executive officer of SAUBC said, “The dialogue coincides with the Global 16 Days of Activism campaign that shines a light on the actual cost of domestic abuse in the South African economy and why employers of survivors and victims can no longer leave the fight against the scourge to civil society groups and the police.”

She explained, “Gender-based violence and other forms of abuse towards women and children are part of a global shadow pandemic. The shadow pandemic also has a significant impact on the economy.

She said a late 2014 study by KPMG and Sonke Gender Justice found that gender based violence costs South Africa between R28.4 billion and R42.4 billion per year or between 0.9% and 1.3% of GDP respectively in 2012 and 2013.

Mpondo-Hendrciks stated, “It is especially concerning that employees who are exposed to Gender-Based Violence and other forms of domestic abuse are likely to have high absenteeism rate, low morale and in worst-cases prematurely loose lives. We encourage employers to be part of this important discussion,” concluded Mpondo Hendricks

Dr Corné Davis, an Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg has concluded a study – showing that there has not been significant progress done by businesses in South Africa in implementing the National Strategic Plan on GBVF in workplaces. This is despite statistics demonstrating the exponential economic loss suffered as a result.