1000 Women Trust launches 'Beyond 16 Days' initiative to combat gender-based violence

The 1000 Women Trust, a women-led organisation dedicated to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa, has launched its new initiative, "Beyond 16 Days". The initiative seeks to hold the government, the judiciary, and law enforcement accountable while supporting women disproportionately affected by escalating violence during the summer holiday period, according to co-founder Tina Thiart.

During the annual 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and femicide, awareness is heightened about these issues nationwide. However, Thiart emphasised that the true challenge lies beyond this period. "In the holiday season, there is a significant spike in gender-based violence and femicide, exacerbated by factors including alcohol abuse and increased stress, alongside insufficient service delivery from police and judicial authorities," she said.

The organisation has highlighted alarming shortcomings in the system. "Shelters and social services are often understaffed, resulting in unresponsive care for survivors. Victims are left without support in a climate of increased risk and trauma," Thiart said.

As part of its mandate, the 1000 Women Trust will actively monitor and document these failures, gathering reports on inaccessible services as well as testimonies from those affected.

On December 18, the 1000 Women Trust plans to stage a peaceful protest at the Magistrate's court in Welkom, kicking off at 10 am. Participants aim to demand accountability and tangible action from law enforcement regarding perpetrators of gender-based violence. This action has been prompted by recent horrific murders of women in the Letjweleputshwa district—tragedies that have rocked communities and intensified fears of violence in what is deemed a 'hotspot' for GBVF.

Ambassador Cynthia Khumalo highlighted several tragic incidents, including the brutal killings of 46-year-old Mpho Gladys Nkhobo by her husband, and the murder of Glenda Roberts, a social worker, who was stabbed on her way to work. Furthermore, Masesi Merriam Saudi was reported missing while en route to her job. Alarmingly, the Free State province has recorded the second-highest rate of rape in South Africa at 24.4%, a statistic that underscores the urgency of the initiative's goals.

By engaging with these issues, the 1000 Women Trust aims to bridge critical gaps between survivors, their communities, and the systems surrounding them. "The police and courts are the weakest links in the GBVF response chain due to slow investigations and poor treatment of survivors, which significantly erodes public trust," said Thiart.

The organisation has mobilised more than 50 'warriors' in GBVF hotspots to provide immediate support and safe spaces for women facing violence. These volunteers accompany survivors to police stations and courts, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance after traumatic events. "We call upon our communities to report service failures from police, judicial authorities, or healthcare clinics. We also invite the public to support our safe room services by volunteering or donating," Thiart urged.

As South Africa wrestles with a gender-based violence epidemic declared a national disaster, Thiart believes that the Beyond 16 Days initiative is crucial for fostering an environment where victims receive comprehensive support and resources during the holidays.

"This initiative will continue until January 10, 2026, as an extension of our RememberHER campaign, which aims to honour and commemorate the lives of women lost to violence," she explained.

"From April 2023 to March 2024, 5,778 women were victims of femicide. If we do not unite to tackle this issue, these harrowing statistics will only rise," Thiart concluded. "We must work together to eradicate our country's second pandemic, and that’s why Beyond 16 Days is essential."