Beyond Awareness: Top SA companies take accountability during 16 days of activism

By Charndré Emma Kippie

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign, geared towards rectifying violence against women and children, is an initiative of the United Nations, which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). In light of the increase of gender-based violence cases in South Africa, the government instated the Emergency Response Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, in September 2019. These allocated 16 Days of Activism stand as the pivot of our government’s extensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign. During this time, civil society, government officials and the private sector are committed to holding a sequence of critical community and sector conversations, and eye-opening movements, geared towards fostering a collaborative effort in dealing with GBVF.

What the stats show:

• During 2019/2020, 53 293 sexual offences were reported: an average of 146 per day, and amount that has increased from the 52 420 recorded during the 2018/2019 period. Most of these were cases of rape. (SAPS Crime Stats).

• During the 2019/2020 period, an estimate of 2 695 women were brutally murdered in the country. This reveals that every three hours one South African woman is killed.

• At the commencement of level 3 lockdown, 21 women and children were brutally slain within a two-week period. Hence, the South African president cited “…two devastating epidemics: Covid-19 and GBV”.

• South Africa ranks at 4th place when it comes to the highest global female interpersonal violence death (rated amongst 183 countries listed by the WHO).

• Femicide is five times higher in South Africa than the global average.

• South Africa has a rate of intimate femicide-suicide that greatly exceeds reported rates elsewhere and clearly reflects the high rate of intimate femicide (the killing of a woman by her intimate partner).

In an effort to play an impactful role in addressing GBVF in the country, during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, many companies have come to the battle lines to action changes and social transformation, in hopes of shaping a safer future for the women and children of our nation.

ANGLO AMERICAN

Mining industry leader, Anglo American, has committed to initiating robust steps towards remedying gender-based violence (GBV), presenting extensive measures for tackling GBV and harassment within its mines and larger mining communities across South Africa. Their Living with Dignity Programme – launched last year – stands as a pledge of their allegiance to a series of integrated intermediations in the country that are geared towards reducing harassment and GBV at work, and the prevention of bullying and violence against women and children in surrounding mining locations.

“We have extended our efforts to combat GBV and harassment beyond the mine gate because we believe we can only sustain meaningful change inside the business by tackling the root causes in homes, schools and communities.” – Hermien Botes, Head of Sustainability Engagement at Anglo American.

The Living with Dignity Programme has been combating GBV in communities that have been dramatically altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It became clear in the early stages of the pandemic that economic distress, diverted public services, lockdown measures and many other factors were increasing incidents of domestic violence. We worked to fight the ‘shadow pandemic’ alongside the health and economic impacts of Covid-19.” – Hermien Botes, Head of Sustainability Engagement at Anglo American.

Anglo’s intermediations this year include a mass communications campaign educating people on how and where to receive help, and leveraging Anglo’s collaboration with the University of Pretoria on community-oriented primary care to recognise and refer incidences of domestic violence. They also include partnering with the National Shelter Movement (and De Beers with United Nations Women) to assist 22 shelters, within its mining communities, with donation such as food parcels, personal protective equipment and financial aid for transportation.

AURA

As stated by Warren Myers, the founder and CEO of South Africa’s leading security and medical response platform, AURA, technology has the power to play a crucial role in actively counteracting and reducing gender-based violence (GBVF). In alignment to its promise off making a difference during this year’s 16 Days of Activism, AURA will guarantee the readiness of 1000 responders for the TEARS Foundation to aid them in their attempt to provide access to crisis intervention, advocacy, counselling, and prevention education services for people who have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual abuse. TEARS’ cost-free technology-based services can be accessed by dialling *134*7355# on any mobile device. To date, their innovative tech has helped 88 217 victims of GBV per annum. “The AURA platform ensures anyone can access the technology that enables security companies to quickly reach victims of domestic abuse. It offers a safety net and peace of mind via on-demand emergency services where potential victims of crime can get help from the closest response vehicle in five minutes or less.” – Warren Myers, Founder and CEO of AURA

SIBANYE STILLWATER

This internationally competitive and globally diversified precious metals miner, Sibanye Stillwater, is known for producing gold and their full suite of PGMs. However, when it comes to empowering women and promoting women’s safety and gender diversity, the mining conglomerate is committed to creating transformation both inside their doors and beyond. This year, Sibanye Stillwater was included in the Bloomberg 2020 Gender- Equality Index in recognition of their efforts to improve gender equality and diversity. One of their major focuses for combating GBV in the workplace, is their sexual harassment policy. The organisation believes that ‘it all starts at home’, and that sexual harassment is a gross violation of their inherent values and code of ethics being a company committed to supporting women, where work is like a second home. Sexual harassment is an especially major issue within South Africa, where GBV has developed into a shocking national epidemic. Sibanye Stillwater is upping the ante of their current communication campaigns, raising awareness and society’s understanding of what sexual harassment in the workplace is. The company’s sexual harassment policy governs procedures to be followed in dealing with sexual harassment. A dedicated sexual misconduct unit of Protection Services deals with all reported incidents of sexual harassment. An anonymous tip-off hotline has been instated and reports may also be made directly to HR managers. Counselling is provided to affected employees.

VODACOM

Just a few weeks ago, the Vodacom Foundation also announced the launch of a free cutting-edge mobile app, which they designed to play a significant role in the fight against GBV. It goes by the title ‘Bright Sky SA’, and its launch concurs with the 2020 United Nations 16 Days of Activism against GBV.

The apps features include a short questionnaire to aid users in identifying different types of abuse and the types of support mechanisms that are available to them. Bright Sky SA gives the user info on GBV, including various statistics and case studies. It offers support and directory guides and resources for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship, or for those who are worried about someone close to them who may be susceptible to GBV. It is available in English, IsiZulu and SeSotho. The app utilises geolocation-specific data, but ensures the complete privacy of its users.

“Fighting GBV requires a coordinated approach and partnership between government, civil society and business. This is how Vodacom comes into the picture, bringing technology into the partnership to help society.” – Takalani Netshitenzhe, External Affairs Director at Vodacom South Africa.

UNILEVER

In light of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Unilever is upping their game when it comes to creating awareness around GBV, and finding actionable solutions to the escalating stats. As of November 25, the company decided to completely readdress its digital and traditional advertising spend of 24 Unilever brands to its collaboration with People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) organisation. By using the combined relayed power of all of these other brands, Unilever pledged its commitment to #EndDomesticSilence and add its voice in support of the initiative.

The POWA-JOKO partnership ensures that R1 from every box of JOKO 100 tea bags sold is then donated to the POWA organisation to help advocate for women’s rights and produce more shelters and counselling services, and legal advice, for survivors of domestic violence.

This has translated to R5 million annually. During 16 Days of Activism for 2020, Unilever’s consumer market is being urged to go out and purchase the iconic red JOKO packaging, which features a powerful purple #EndDomesticSilence message.

“GBV does not discriminate, and we believe the time is now for all South Africans to make themselves heard, adding their voices in support of government efforts to transform the legislative landscape around penalties for perpetrators of domestic violence.” ─ Sue Marshall, Unilever’s Marketing Manager for JOKO.

*Visit joko-addyourvoice.uwina.com to find out more or follow the hashtag to join the conversation.