UK announces commitment to advance gender equality in SA at G20
The UK pledges ZAR 18 million (£800,000) to South Africa’s Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Fund. This will help more than 33,000 people through school-based prevention and community support.
Baroness Jacqui Smith, UK Minister for Women and Equalities, announced the funding during the G20 Women’s Empowerment meeting in Johannesburg.
The GBVF Fund will use the money for:
GBV prevention in schools, building on evidence from the UK-funded What Works programme, the Fund will support targeted prevention efforts in schools, focusing on adolescent boys. This high-impact intervention will aid the implementation of the Department for Basic Education’s life skills and life orientation curriculum, fostering healthier attitudes and behaviours from a young age.
GBV response for underserved communities. The additional funding will also enhance support for victims and survivors in underserved groups, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, women with disabilities, and migrant women, ensuring inclusive and accessible services for those most at risk, reaching 33,000 more people.
UK Minister for Women and Equalities, Baroness Jacqui Smith stated:
The UK stands firmly with South Africa in the movement against gender-based violence. This additional support reflects our shared commitment to protecting underserved communities and investing in long-term, evidence-based solutions that create safer environments for all.
At the heart of the UK-South Africa relationship is our shared commitment to human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. This uplift to the GBVF Fund is a tangible demonstration of that commitment. We are proud to stand alongside South Africa in accelerating action to end violence, empower women and girls, and ensure no one is left behind.
During her visit, Baroness Smith took part in the South African Presidency’s High-Level Dialogue on Positive Masculinity where she raised the crucial role of education in prevention and engaging boys in efforts to end gender-based violence. She also visited Kid’s Haven, to provide shelter for children and young people who have experienced trauma.
The UK and South Africa share a commitment to human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment. This funding shows that commitment in action.
Further Information
The GBVF Fund is a flagship initiative under the UK-South Africa partnership, aimed at strengthening prevention and response mechanisms to GBVF across the country.
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