JOHANNESBURG – Marking the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Vodacom held its annual Walk for Good on Wednesday, 6 December 2023. The event calls for South Africans to stand together in the fight to end this societal ill and supports Vodacom’s ongoing gender empowerment initiatives to drive inclusion for all.
“As we recognise this key international campaign in the fight against GBV, we remain cognisant that this is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. Every day thousands are affected by GBV, threatening their meaningful participation in society and our country’s future. At Vodacom, we are actively using our capabilities to raise awareness about GBV and are calling on others to #DontMindYourBusiness and unite with us to end this scourge,” says Angela Abrahams, Head of Vodacom Foundation.
The crime statistics for South Africa repeatedly show high rates of violence against women and children. For the third quarter of 2023/2024, for example, more than 10 thousand rapes, 1 500 attempted murders, and 14 thousand assaults against females were recorded in just three months.
The annual Walk for Good forms part of Vodacom’s encompassing GBV ecosystem, which has three pillars: prevention, response and victim empowerment. Under prevention and response, Vodacom launched the zero-rated Bright Sky SA app that continues to help communities safely access GBV support services.
In partnership with the Department of Basic Education, Vodacom implemented the Change the World programme to address psychosocial issues faced by school learners. The programme promotes a safe school environment, supports educators and learners, and provides intervention sessions to address psychosocial issues and reduce school-related GBV. To date, 25 psychosocial professionals have been placed in 13 Vodacom-supported schools, reaching approximately 26 000 learners.
To drive victim support and empowerment, Vodacom provides ICT training in shelters across South Africa for survivors to find employment so that they are not economically dependent on the perpetrators and to develop their skills and confidence. Vodacom also pledged R10 million to build Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) in the Eastern Cape, the North West and Limpopo. TCCs allow victims to safely report GBV and receive immediate medical attention and counselling in one location. Vodacom has just completed a Thuthuzela Care Centre in Cradock, Eastern Cape and these centre provides a comprehensive basket of services for victims of GBV which prevents victims from secondary victimisation.
“If we are to ensure sustainable outcomes to our comprehensive approach in the fight against GBV, we need to work together as the private sector, governments and civil society. Collective efforts will have far-reaching impact in tackling GBV and its impact on society,” concludes Abrahams.
Vodacom employees participated in the 3km Walk for Good from the company’s Midrand office and donated feminine hygiene packs as part of efforts in the 16 Days of Activism campaign.