The safety of women in South Africa is a concerning issue, as a recent investigation revealed that 96.4% of women in the country do not feel secure in their home province. The Western Cape was identified as the least safe province, with the majority of women feeling unsafe during routine activities and over 60% having been victims of crime. The study also showed that many women are considering emigration due to safety concerns, with top destinations including the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, the head of 1st For Women Insurance emphasized that a high crime rate does not necessarily mean a high frequency of crimes and that a comprehensive understanding of the situation requires a wider range of enquiry.
June Steenkamp’s victim impact statement at Oscar Pistorius’s parole hearing serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of genderbased violence. The premature death of her daughter, Reeva, created a painful void in her family’s dreams, and June remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice and women’s safety. Reeva, who embodied optimism and dreams, was a model and an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, but her own aspirations were tragically cut short. Despite her profound grief and loss, June’s unwavering strength and resilience serve as a testament to her love for her daughter and her dedication to preserving her memory.
In today’s world, the global movement against genderbased violence (GBV) is gaining momentum. However, the brutal assault on 25yearold Zizipho Nikita Kalubi serves as a somber reminder of the persisting danger faced by women in their everyday lives. Kalubi, hailing from Somerset West, endured an unthinkable act of violence after reportedly rejecting a man’s unwarranted advances in Khayelitsha. The fateful encounter unfolded on a Saturday afternoon as Kalubi and her boyfriend were returning from running errands.
As Women’s Month is celebrated in South Africa in August, universities in the Western Cape have joined forces to prioritize women’s safety on campus. This initiative was prompted by a research report released by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), revealing that female students face a heightened risk of sexual victimization. The study found that one in five women at public universities and technical colleges have experienced sexual assault.