Women discuss the impact of gender-based violence on the SA economy
SANDTON – Women discuss the impact of gender-based violence on the South African economy.
Women of various sectors of society met to discuss the effects of gender-based violence (GBV) on the South African economy on 27 November at the Hilton Hotel.
The event was hosted by WIIN (Women Integral Impact Network), which seeks to empower women with knowledge and educational support and services to prevent and overcome the effects of domestic violence.
Founder of WIIN Francesca Fondise began the discussion saying, “We are here today because despite our interest, women are under attack in South Africa. The GVB, domestic violence and femicide stats in SA are five times the global average. 3 000 women die in SA as a result of GBV each year.”
The event took the format of a panel discussion, where women shared their experiences and offered solutions to the problem.
The discussion was facilitated by Charmaine Soobramoney who encouraged women to take action to stop the scourge of gender-based violence.
“If we are looking for economic growth, we have to make lives matter,” said Soobramoney.
International speaker Dr Saida Désilets said, “In every culture, women are hurting. Women have been socialised to not be in their own bodies. My work has been to invite women to take full claim of their bodies.”
Soobramoney responded saying, “Unless we connect with the various cultural leaders in society, we cannot bring about real change in policy. We have to overhaul the norms and values of society and make them aligned with the 21st century.”
A survivor of gender-based violence, Tebogo Sehlwane shared her experience at the hands of an abusive spouse. “I was a victim for far too long. It works like a snail. Before you know it, you are caged because you have been quiet for so long. We, as women, have to support one another. We first have to love ourselves and then one another. If we break the cycle, we can make a change.”
Fondise said the implications of gender-based violence for the economy included loss of earnings, productive output loss, diverted resources, loss in taxed revenue and more, resulting in an estimated cost of R28 billion annually.
She introduced guests to the WIIN safety app, which women can download for free on android devices, offering an online and offline connection for women and various emergency functions.
Details: www.wiinwomen.com
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/242226/count-me-in/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/192087/16-days-activism-need-know/
