Gender-Based Violence has been firmly described as a systemic failure rather than an isolated social issue following strong remarks made by Honorable Minister Lesego Chombo during the second Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender Based Violence Minister’s Segment held yesterday. Her statement placed renewed focus on how deeply embedded violence is within institutions, communities, and households, affecting daily life across all levels of society. The discussion highlighted that GBV is not limited to individual incidents but reflects broader structural weaknesses that continue to expose women and girls to harm. The Minister emphasized that the issue is visible in the cases handled by service providers and in the lived experiences of survivors who continue to face barriers to safety and justice. The meeting served as a critical platform for reviewing progress and strengthening collective government response mechanisms.
A key highlight of the Minister’s address was recognition of legislative progress aimed at strengthening protections and improving accountability systems. The Employment and Labour Relations Act, 2025 was cited as a significant step forward in reinforcing safeguards against discrimination, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence in workplaces. The law also expands family leave provisions, offering additional support to workers affected by gender-related challenges. In addition, the amended Public Service Act, 2026 further strengthens institutional frameworks designed to protect employees and promote safer working environments. These reforms reflect a growing recognition that legal protections must evolve to respond effectively to modern social challenges and workplace realities.
Despite these legislative advances, the Minister stressed that laws alone cannot eliminate gender-based violence. She pointed out that GBV is driven by interconnected social and economic factors that continue to reinforce vulnerability. Poverty remains a major contributing factor, limiting access to resources and increasing dependence in abusive relationships. Substance abuse and mental health challenges also play a significant role, often escalating conflict and reducing access to support systems. Crime and community instability further compound the issue, making coordinated intervention across multiple sectors essential. The Minister called for a whole-of-government approach where each ministry takes responsibility within its mandate to address these root causes.
The meeting also focused heavily on the importance of implementation and accountability within the national response framework. Minister Chombo emphasized that the Committee must move beyond policy discussions and ensure that commitments are translated into measurable action. The national Action Plan on GBV was highlighted as a central tool that must be binding, with clearly defined responsibilities assigned to each institution involved. Timelines for delivery and accountability mechanisms were identified as critical components for ensuring progress does not remain theoretical. Without structured implementation, the Minister warned, even the strongest policies risk failing to deliver real impact on the ground.
Measurement of success was another key theme in the discussions, with a strong emphasis placed on tangible outcomes rather than procedural activity. The Minister noted that progress should be reflected in reduced cases of GBV across communities and improved efficiency in response systems. Faster case handling, stronger survivor support services, and visible accountability for perpetrators were identified as essential indicators of success. The government’s ability to track and evaluate these outcomes will determine whether current strategies are effective or require adjustment. This results-driven approach is intended to ensure that policies translate into real improvements in safety and justice for affected individuals.
The Committee also acknowledged that ending gender-based violence requires sustained leadership and coordination across all levels of government and society. Institutional collaboration was highlighted as a necessity, particularly in aligning law enforcement, social services, health systems, and community structures. The Minister emphasized that fragmented responses weaken overall effectiveness and allow gaps in protection to persist. Strengthening coordination mechanisms was therefore presented as a priority for ensuring that interventions are timely and consistent. Leadership was described not only as policy direction but also as the ability to enforce accountability and maintain focus on long-term goals.
Community involvement was also recognized as a vital component in addressing GBV effectively. While government institutions play a central role, the Minister noted that cultural attitudes and social norms must also be addressed at community level. Awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and grassroots engagement were identified as tools for shifting perceptions and encouraging reporting of abuse. Without community participation, even well-designed policies may fail to reach those most in need. This reinforces the idea that GBV prevention must extend beyond government structures into everyday social environments.
The meeting concluded with a strong reaffirmation that ending Gender-Based Violence requires more than commitment alone. It demands coordinated systems, decisive leadership, and consistent implementation of agreed strategies. The government’s current approach reflects an understanding that sustainable change depends on both legal reform and practical execution. As efforts continue, the focus will remain on ensuring that survivors receive protection, justice systems respond effectively, and prevention measures reduce future cases. The Inter-Ministerial Committee’s work signals a shift toward a more structured and accountable national response aimed at achieving lasting impact in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
