SADC and GIZ Host Regional Conference to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Enhance Reproductive Health
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), recently organized a groundbreaking Regional Conference focused on tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the Southern Africa region.
Held in Johannesburg, South Africa from March 6th to 7th, 2024, the event convened 175 delegates from all 16 SADC Member States, including policymakers, government officials, researchers, and civil society organizations.
Under the theme “Advancing Data and Evidence for Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Southern Africa Region,” the conference aimed to strengthen efforts in preventing GBV by emphasizing evidence-based interventions and the sharing of best practices.
It also served as a platform for discussing challenges and solutions regarding data collection, analysis, and utilization for GBV prevention and SRHR promotion.
Key figures such as His Excellency Mr. Elias Magosi, the SADC Executive Secretary, and Honourable Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Social Development of the Republic of South Africa, underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of GBV and overcoming existing limitations in data collection and reporting.
The conference highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action among governments, civil society, and development partners to enhance data systems and implement effective prevention initiatives.
Among the key recommendations were the harmonization of GBV data systems, strengthening of information-sharing platforms, and increased investments in national surveys on GBV. Additionally, there was a call for the integration of GBV prevention initiatives into long-term strategies and the scaling up of successful interventions.
In her closing remarks, Honorable Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities of the Republic of South Africa, emphasized the necessity of increased investments in GBV prevention, including national surveys, to support evidence-informed interventions.
The conference concluded with a unified commitment to combat GBV and promote SRHR across the SADC region, reflecting a collaborative effort to create safer and more equitable societies.
Additional source: SADC Secretariat
