Addressing gender-based violence in Umkhanyakude District, South Africa
South Africa is facing a problem of gender-based violence, where many women live in fear of rape and violence at the hands of partners.
Many women find it difficult to negotiate safe sex without feeling threatened. This prevents women from protecting themselves from pregnancy and sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
As a result many rapes are not reported and counselling services are not accessed by those in need, particularly poorer women who also face barriers trying to access the justice system and public health care services.
'My husband almost killed me, thank you to AMREF for opening my eyes, I don’t know why I stayed in this relationship.' MHadebe Myeni
AMREF IS:
- enabling health and social care service providers to protect vulnerable women and girls
- bringing about positive changes in attitude and behaviour of men, reducing the incidence of gender based violence
- giving women the rights and freedom to access quality public services, including HIV/AIDS services
- encouraging communities to take an active role in monitoring genderbased violence
- working with traditional leaders and councils to raise awareness of women’s rights and bring in policies and legislation for women’s and girls’ rights
- developing national and international campaigns so more action can be taken to help those in need.