Page 71 - SCAT Rural Voice II - 35 Stories for 35 Years

It was only in 1996 with the introduction of the equality clause of the Bill of rights in South Africa’s new constitution that all women were recognised as equal citizens. Section 9 of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of South Africa affirms this right when it states that companies, individuals, groups or the state may not “unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.”
Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a major obstacle to the achievement of equality, development and peace. ensuring that all who are victims of GBV receive social and legal assistance is an important strategic focus for SCAT. LdAs also play an important role in creating awareness of GBV and advocate for safer communities for women and girls and people of different sexual orientations, and identities to live in. They can mediate in families where men are violent but women are afraid to leave because of economic consequences. Where there are no social workers they can be equipped with counselling skills and awareness of resources, in order to be effective frontline responders. They can advocate for victims’ rights when the legal system fails them, and can support victims through the process.
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Gender