The United Kingdom has pledged ZAR 18 million (£800,000) to South Africa’s Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Fund, aiming to benefit more than 33,000 people through school-based prevention programs and community support initiatives. The announcement was made by Baroness Jacqui Smith, UK Minister for Women and Equalities, during the G20 Women’s Empowerment meeting in Johannesburg. The funding reinforces the UK’s commitment to human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, demonstrating tangible support for long-term solutions to address gender-based violence.
A key focus of the GBVF Fund will be prevention in schools, particularly targeting adolescent boys. Building on evidence from the UK-funded What Works programme, the Fund will support initiatives aligned with the Department of Basic Education’s life skills and life orientation curriculum. These efforts are designed to foster healthier attitudes and behaviors from a young age, creating a foundation for safer communities.
The funding will also enhance support services for victims and survivors in underserved communities, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, women with disabilities, and migrant women. By ensuring that these groups have access to inclusive and accessible services, the initiative aims to protect those most at risk and expand support to thousands more people.
Baroness Smith highlighted the importance of education and engagement in prevention, participating in South Africa’s High-Level Dialogue on Positive Masculinity, where she emphasized the role of boys in ending gender-based violence. She also visited Kid’s Haven, a shelter for children and young people affected by trauma, underscoring the UK’s commitment to practical, community-based interventions.
Through this contribution, the UK and South Africa reaffirm their shared dedication to ending gender-based violence, empowering women and girls, and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need. The funding represents a significant step in accelerating action against GBVF while promoting evidence-based, sustainable approaches to protect and uplift communities across South Africa.
