On 04 March 2026, we hosted a powerful Community Dialogue under the theme “Beyond Awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Building Safe and Economically Empowered Communities” at the Tshepo Themba Hall in Etwatwa East. This impactful engagement formed part of our ongoing commitment to addressing GBV through practical, community-driven solutions that go beyond awareness and focus on long-term transformation.
The event was hosted in collaboration with the Etwatwa SAPS Youth Desk and brought together a diverse group of strategic stakeholders from across the community. These included organizations working in skills development, GBV prevention and response, substance abuse support services, and law enforcement, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to tackling the root causes of violence and inequality.
This initiative is part of our funded partnership with Gender Links under the Women’s Voice & Leadership Fund, within the Change Strategies and Movement Building project. The program places strong emphasis on the economic participation and emancipation of women, particularly survivors of Gender-Based Violence, recognizing economic independence as a critical pathway to breaking cycles of abuse.
Moving Beyond Awareness: Addressing the Root Causes of GBV
The dialogue was designed to shift the conversation from awareness to action. While GBV remains one of the most pressing social challenges in South Africa, discussions emphasized that it is deeply interconnected with poverty, unemployment, economic dependency, gender inequality, and limited access to opportunities.
As an organization deeply rooted in community development and empowerment, we continue to position ourselves not only as a voice against GBV, but as an active implementer of practical interventions that strengthen communities and create pathways to safety and economic freedom for women and youth.
Community-Led Solutions for Sustainable Impact
Throughout the dialogue, stakeholders and community members engaged in meaningful discussions that unpacked the structural drivers of GBV. Key focus areas included the link between economic vulnerability and abuse, the importance of empowering survivors through skills development, and the shared responsibility of men, women, youth, civil society, and institutions in preventing violence.
Participants contributed practical, community-driven solutions aimed at:
- Strengthening survivor support systems
- Promoting access to skills development and economic opportunities
- Restoring dignity and safety in vulnerable households
- Building stronger collaboration between community organizations and institutions
These discussions reaffirmed the importance of integrating economic empowerment into GBV prevention strategies, ensuring that interventions are sustainable and impactful.
Strengthening Collaboration with Law Enforcement and Community Stakeholders
We were honoured to host Col. Qangisa, Station Commander of Etwatwa SAPS, who actively engaged with community members and responded to concerns related to GBV and safety in the area. His participation reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between law enforcement, civil society organizations, and community structures in creating safer environments.
The dialogue further demonstrated the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration, where organizations combine expertise in skills development, social services, and advocacy to address GBV in a holistic and coordinated way.
Driving Change Through Economic Empowerment and Skills Development
As an organisation, we remain committed to community upliftment, skills development, and gender justice advocacy. Our work focuses on equipping individuals—especially women and GBV survivors—with the tools, training, and opportunities needed to achieve financial independence and long-term resilience.
We believe that ending GBV requires more than awareness campaigns—it requires economic empowerment, education, opportunity creation, and sustained community investment.
Conclusion
The Community Dialogue served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when communities, organisations, and institutions work together. Ending Gender-Based Violence requires collective action, structural change, and practical solutions that address both safety and economic inequality.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, partners, and community members who participated in this important engagement. Together, we continue to build safer, stronger, and more economically empowered communities where women and survivors of GBV can thrive.