PROJECT: NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - 9 AUGUST 2025
- isabels39
- Aug 8
- 5 min read
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Resilience in the Face of Violence
South Africa commemorates National Women’s Day on 9 August 2025, marking the anniversary of the
1956 women’s protest against pass laws, a foundational moment in the fight for justice and women’s rights.
This year’s theme, “Building Resilient Economies for All,” emphasises not only women’s contribution to the economy
but also the importance of their safety and empowerment in order to thrive economically and socially.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN:
Despite its symbolic celebration of women’s strength, South Africa continues to face a staggering crisis in violence against women:
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) found that nearly 40% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, with an estimated 35.5% (≈7.84 million women) affected by abuse, and nearly 10% (~2.15 million) reporting sexual violence..
South Africa’s female homicide rate is multiples higher than the global average.
On average, three women are killed every day in intimate partner femicides.
Each day, four women are murdered by a partner or family member.
Violence often escalates when women leave abusive relationships .
WHY THE LINK BETWEEN WOMEN'S SAFETY AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE MATTERS:
Women’s financial independence is deeply connected to their safety:
Economic dependency often traps women in abusive relationships, making it harder for them to leave dangerous situations.
Investment in survivors’ services, such as shelters, counselling, and hotlines, is critical, yet often underfunded or under-resourced.
Driving genuine change requires more than reactive interventions; it demands transformation of harmful norms and active male engagement.
HIGH-PROFILE CASES:
The brutal murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana sparked the #AmINext movement, highlighting systemic inertia in protecting women.
The death of Karabo Mokoena, murdered by her boyfriend, led to widespread demand for reform.
Outrage over the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl, known as “Cwecwe”, inspired mass protests and a petition that garnered over a million signatures.
SYSTEMIC FAILURES IN ADDRESSING GBV:
Despite existing laws and policies, major challenges hinder effective prevention and justice:
UNDERREPORTING:
An estimated 60% of GBV cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of reprisal, or distrust in institutions.
POOR PROSECUTION FOLLOW-THROUGH:
Mismanaged dockets, DNA backlog, and secondary victimisation persist even in reported cases.
INADEQUATE FUNDING AND COORDINATION:
The execution of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF has been hampered by inconsistent implementation and insufficient resources.
LIMITED ACCESS FOR VULNERABLE GROUPS:
Survivors in rural and under-resourced communities struggle to access support services.
To align with this year’s theme and build truly resilient communities, South Africa must:
Enhance women’s economic empowerment, enabling escape from violence through independence.
Support survivor-centred services including shelters, one‑stop care, and legal assistance.
Address root causes through education, engaging men, and shifting patriarchal norms.
Strengthen institutional accountability and ensure GBV data is fully captured, cases are properly investigated, and survivors are treated with dignity.
Engage civil society, like Action Society, in urging reform of forensics and policing systems.
National Women’s Day 2025’s theme of “Building Resilient Economies for All” cannot be realised without safety and justice for women. The violence women face, far too often in their own homes, shatters both their lives and their ability to thrive.
A society that protects women, listens to survivors, and provides access to justice and economic opportunity embodies true resilience. Only by rejecting silence, empowering women, dismantling systemic violence, and demanding accountability can South Africa transform its promise of equality into a lived reality.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis remains unwavering in his commitment to the safety and security of women across South Africa.
Through the work of Specialised Security Services, Mr. Bolhuis actively protects and advocates for vulnerable women, providing expert support in cases involving threats, abuse, exploitation, and criminal victimisation.
Every case is treated with the utmost urgency, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
If you or someone you know is a vulnerable person in need of assistance, you are urged to contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis directly. Your identity and personal information will be protected at all times.
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
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