Effective strategies needed to combat violence against women: Expert

A call has been made to the government to put in place effective strategies to prevent violence against women and children. According to the National Institute of Health, South Africa is considered to be the rape capital of the world with 10,818 rape cases reported in the first quarter of 2022.

The rate at which women are killed by intimate partners in this country is five times higher than the global average.

Data by Statistic South Africa shows that the Eastern Cape has the highest rate of physical violence in the country.

Director of Masimanyane Women’s International Dr Lesley Ann Foster says consistency is needed to tackle the violence against women.

“So, we need consistent programs which the state has because only the state has the reach of the entire country to address harmful norms, unhealthy masculinities and the changing attitudes and behaviours,” she said.

Tackling GBV, femicide: Dr Lesley Ann Foster weighs in