South Africa is ridden with high levels of gender-based violence and femicide, in 2023, the police stats showed that 969 women had been murdered which translates to eleven women being killed every day during that period. Communities such as Thaba Nchu are not immune from high rates of GBV. In 2021, Bloemspruit was named the police station recording the highest number of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in the whole Free State province. Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the Free State Province lies Thaba-Nchu, a semi-urban area brimming with rural charm. Comprising a tapestry of villages divided into northern and southern trusts, Thaba-Nchu encapsulates the essence of community resilience and potential. However, beneath its serene facade lie intricate challenges.
Thaba-Nchu, a former homeland during apartheid is made up of 45 villages. Within this mosaic, essential infrastructure such as 34 primary schools, 12 high schools, and two special schools stand as pillars of education. Additionally, the community is supported by 98 early childhood development centres, 10 local clinics, and 108 churches, which serve as vital lifelines addressing community needs. However, juxtaposed against these vital services are almost 100 liquor outlets, reflecting a complex social landscape where leisure and livelihood intersect.
Unemployment, particularly among the youth, casts a shadow over Thaba-Nchu’s prospects. The informal sector absorbs a significant portion of the population, including casual workers and sidewalk hawkers, while the majority are dependent on social grants from the government. Nevertheless, employment opportunities within government departments remain scarce, perpetuating economic disparities.
2023 statistics reveal a widening gender gap in youth unemployment, with female adolescents and young women bearing the brunt. The female-to-male youth unemployment ratio soared from 41.4% in 2021 to a staggering 66% in 2022, underscoring entrenched gender barriers to employment. This disparity not only stifles economic empowerment but also heightens vulnerabilities, particularly among a significant number of women who are financially dependent on their intimate partners.
Tragically, these vulnerabilities manifest in a myriad of social crises. Adolescent girls and young women, disproportionately affected by unemployment, face heightened risks of substance abuse and addiction. Consequently, Thaba-Nchu grapples with soaring rates of teenage pregnancies, women-headed households, and the insidious impact of prenatal alcohol exposure. Moreover, the spectre of gender- based violence and intimate partner violence looms large, leaving scars that transcend generations. Regrettably, these compounded challenges fuel a distressing prevalence of mental health-related issues, echoing the silent cries of a community in turmoil.
In the heart of Thaba Nchu, a town poised at the edge of South Africa’s Free State Province, where the landscape tells stories of migration, resilience, and hope, the Sisterhood Advocate Project emerges as a powerful force against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). A project spearheaded by the Hlanganisa Community Fund for Social and Gender Justice, this initiative is a testament to the power of solidarity and collective action in the fight for women’s rights and safety.
Thaba Nchu, with its unique position near borders, is rich with cultures and histories but also a place where vulnerabilities have heightened. Migrant women and children, often the most vulnerable to exploitation and violence, find themselves at a crossroads of peril. It is here, in this context of heightened risk and uncertainty, that the Sisterhood Advocate Project plants its roots, offering a beacon of hope and a path towards empowerment and justice.
The project harnesses the power of community, understanding that those who are closest to the problem are often closest to the solution. Through the Sisterhood Advocate Project, over 5,000 women have been trained since project inception as community-based paralegals with a special focus on GBV. These women, known as Sisterhood Advocates, are not just participants in a program but leaders in a movement. They bring with them an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by their communities, coupled with the training and resources to make tangible differences.
The work of the Sisterhood Advocates encompasses more than legal advice and support. It is about building networks of trust and support, creating spaces where women can share their experiences without fear, and empowering one another to stand up against the injustices. These advocates go door-to-door, offering not just counsel but a listening ear and a compassionate heart. They organize community forums, workshops, and awareness campaigns, shedding light on issues of GBV and mobilizing action at the grassroots level.
The impact of the project stretches beyond the individual lives it touches. It is about altering the fabric of society itself, challenging deep-seated norms and inequalities that perpetuate violence against women. The project’s approach—rooted in empathy, solidarity, and empowerment—serves as a model for how communities can come together to confront systemic injustices and foster a culture of respect and dignity for all.
In Thaba Nchu, amidst challenges and adversities, it stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of women united in the pursuit of justice. The Hlanganisa Community Fund for Social and Gender Justice, through this project, not only confronts the scourge of GBV but also illuminates the path toward a more equitable and violence-free future.