Monday, 25 November 2024 – As South Africa commemorates 30 years of collective action under the theme “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children”, Afrika Tikkun urges immediate, inclusive measures to address gender-based violence (GBV), particularly against women and children with disabilities.

While the 16 Days of Activism campaign has raised awareness and driven positive change, systemic failures and insufficient action have allowed GBV to persist at alarming rates. This milestone year demands renewed commitment to bold, transformative interventions.

Overlooked Victims: Women and Children with Disabilities

Women and children with disabilities remain disproportionately affected by GBV. According to a groundbreaking report by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), over 31% of women with disabilities in South Africa have experienced sexual or physical violence, a rate significantly higher than their non-disabled counterparts.

The report revealed:

• Women with disabilities face twice the risk of sexual violence by a partner compared to women without disabilities.
• Ever-partnered women with disabilities are more likely to experience physical violence than those without disabilities.

These findings highlight the urgent need for government and service providers to include women with disabilities in GBV prevention strategies and create inclusive interventions that prioritise their unique vulnerabilities.

Addressing the Root Causes

“Disability inclusion must become a core focus in the fight against GBV,” says Marc Lubner, Executive Chairperson of Afrika Tikkun. “Creating a disability-inclusive society is about more than physical accessibility. It’s about ensuring safety, dignity, and protection through inclusive policies, accessible support services, and dismantling rape culture.”

Lubner emphasises the need for systemic social re-engineering to address the societal attitudes enabling GBV. “The government must prioritise actionable plans with measurable outcomes to challenge rape culture and end the normalisation of violence,” he adds.

Afrika Tikkun’s Commitment

As Afrika Tikkun celebrates its 30th anniversary, the organisation continues to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society, addressing the socio-economic disparities that exacerbate GBV.

Tiyani Mohlaba, COO of Afrika Tikkun, explains:

“The communities we serve face high levels of GBV, partly due to the legacy of apartheid. This impacts young girls and women in our programmes, hindering their ability to thrive in learning, employment, and entrepreneurship.”

Afrika Tikkun’s initiatives include:

• Anti-Violence Buddies Programme (4–6 years): Teaches Early Childhood Development learners about abuse in an age-appropriate way.
• Young Urban Women (YUW): Provides a platform for young girls to discuss issues like GBV, women’s health, and economic empowerment.
• Young Urban Men (YUM): Focuses on positive role modelling and addressing issues faced by young men, fostering healthy attitudes and behaviours.

Building a Safer, Inclusive Future

Afrika Tikkun believes targeted education is crucial for fostering gender equality and challenging harmful societal attitudes. “Investing in educational campaigns from an early age is essential for meaningful progress,” concludes Mohlaba.

As South Africa marks 30 years of collective action, this campaign serves as a critical reminder to prioritise inclusion, foster systemic change, and protect the rights and dignity of every woman and child.

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Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: Afrika Tikkun
Contact Person: Marc Lubner
Website: Afrika Tikkun

Total Words: 535

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16 Days of Activism: Inclusive Action Needed Now
As we mark 30 years of activism, let’s prioritise women and children with disabilities in the fight against GBV. Join Afrika Tikkun in creating a safer, inclusive future. #EndGBV #DisabilityInclusion #GenderEquality #16DaysOfActivism #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica