The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Ennie Makhafola, launched a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Advisory Committee at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein. This was to further support women through non-profit organisations, non-government organisation and businesses that want to make a change in the lives of the women. It was an opportunity for the City to support these initiatives and form an advisory committee that will look at different areas of the City to tackle these issues head-on.
Research has shown that gender-based violence and femicide have harmful consequences on our communities, with far-reaching repercussions and a shadow over economy.
“I am quite aware of the impact of gender-based violence and femicide has on our society as these acts of violence are not isolated. They rippled through the families, the homes, the neighbourhood and generations to come,” said MMC Makhafola.
According to the research by Professor Corne Davis from the University of Johannesburg, gender-based violence and femicide affect the economy negatively. If not addressed, it can pose a range of businesses risks like reduced access to talent.
A fear of gender-based violence and femicide can affect decisions people make about where they work and with whom they work.
“I have personally experienced that if I am at a workplace and I am constantly being abused, as much as one needs income, to maintain lifestyle, at some point women are forced to resign because of the current condition they found themselves in,” said Cllr Makhafola.
She said the other negative impact if not addressed, could be a reduced productivity, mental health, increase in absenteeism, poor performance and increasing staff turnover in the workplace.
Cllr Makhafola said gender-based violence and femicide do not only affect the parents or adults but also children because of what is happening at home.
“This City cannot turn a blind eye to the shadows that lurk in many corners of our society,” said Cllr Makhafola.