Aleta: When it comes to collaborations, there are almost always challenges when bringing in different entities including miscommunication, inflexibility, and misinterpretation of concepts but where there’s shared commitment to placing gender equality at the forefront, stakeholders can work together to reach the goal. In light of the high levels of GBVF in South Africa; all stakeholders, be it government, CSOs, the private sector, or the general public all share the same vision and a common agenda to tackle this national epidemic. That shared vision and a shared agenda help in bringing everyone back together as and when challenges erupt. Everyone has a role to play in tackling GBVF and it's important that a respectful platform be facilitated to allow for innovation. For example, the creative and cultural sectors can serve as a powerful means of advocacy, empowerment, and social inclusion, especially for marginalised and vulnerable communities. The arts have long been known to give voice to women, particularly to those who have experienced trauma, by allowing them a means to share their stories, inspire and empower others, and fight back. Some key issues to consider when strengthening inclusivity are access, attitude, choice, partnerships, clear communication, and clarity of roles and responsibilities. “Evidence demonstrates that the presence of a strong and autonomous feminist movement is a critical factor to drive policy change in ending violence against women and girls.” Hazel: On the issue of inclusiveness, what are some of the challenges and lessons, when it comes to collaboration or facilitating collaborations, that the UN has learned throughout the years and which can be of value to or considered by the multisectoral End GBVF Collective as they work together to #endGBVF?
UN Women Country Rep - Aleta Miller
GBVF is not inevitable, there is more evidence than ever before. Ending it requires comprehensive and coordinated multi-sectoral and multi-partner approaches centered around the needs of the women and girls most affected by violence, and adapted as needed to rapidly changing contexts. These include proven prevention strategies which work to shift attitudes and practices at individual levels, within relationships, institutions, and broader social norms, and address the various factors that increase the risk of violence. As UN Women we believe the solution lies in accelerating the implementation, monitoring, and resourcing of legal and policy frameworks to end GBV; These should contribute to ensuring essential health, social, security, and justice services are available and accessible to survivors in their diversity. In addition they should address the impunity of perpetrators, and importantly, ensure funding, solidarity, and support for women’s rights and feminist organisations and movements to sustain their critical work. Working to combat any social ill that requires multiple stakeholders will likely result in different approaches, prioritising different elements of the problem and not necessarily agreeing on the ‘how’. But these challenges are not insurmountable if we can agree on the fundamentals, and in our varied methods channel our time, energy, and resources towards the same goal.
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Dec 2022| Collective Action Magazine
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