As South Africa prepares to mark Freedom Day, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa is urging renewed reflection on what freedom truly means in a society still grappling with high levels of gender-based violence and femicide. The organisation says many survivors continue to face barriers in accessing safety, justice, and support.
Board member Greer Schoeman said the fight against GBVF must remain a year-round priority. “Gender-based violence is a 365-day-a-year issue; it must remain the focus of our politicians and our communities,” she said.
Schoeman stressed that Freedom Day should centre on dignity, rights, and safety, values she says remain out of reach for many. “When it comes to many women in South Africa, these things really don’t exist in our daily lives. Freedom should really be freedom for all,” she added, noting that children and the elderly are also affected.
She highlighted the importance of sustained public awareness and holding leaders accountable, particularly as government has classified GBVF as a national disaster.
“We are trying to ensure that momentum continues and that we start to see progress, especially when it comes to resourcing and implementing structures like the National Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act,” she said.
Schoeman emphasised that communities must remain engaged to drive change. “We don’t want to always have to be in response mode. If we want to move towards protection, we need accountability and awareness.”
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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