Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Advocacy Programme
Building Safer Communities Through Awareness, Advocacy and Collective Action
The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Advocacy Programme is one of the flagship programmes of Teenagers and Youth Health of South Africa (TYHSA), aimed at preventing violence, promoting gender equality, protecting human rights, and strengthening community responses to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The programme seeks to create safer environments where women, girls, children, young people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups can live free from violence, discrimination, abuse, and exploitation.
TYHSA implements this programme through awareness campaigns, educational workshops, community dialogues, stakeholder engagements, advocacy initiatives, media campaigns, and capacity-building activities. We believe that ending Gender-Based Violence requires the collective participation of communities, government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional leadership structures, faith-based organisations, and development partners.
Rise Up Together GBVF Localisation Project – uMlalazi Municipality
Through the support of Rise Up Together, TYHSA is currently implementing a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide localisation project in the uMlalazi Local Municipality under the King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal. The project focuses on supporting the implementation of South Africa's National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF) at local level.
The initiative seeks to ensure that communities are actively involved in preventing GBV and that local stakeholders work together to implement practical solutions that address violence against women and children. Through this project, TYHSA has been working across all 28 wards of uMlalazi Municipality, engaging communities, government departments, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, schools, community structures, and key populations.
A major achievement of the project has been the strengthening and revitalisation of local multi-sectoral structures, including the Victim Empowerment Forum (VEF), Local AIDS Council (LAC), community forums, and other stakeholder platforms that contribute to GBVF prevention and response efforts.
How We Implement the Programme
TYHSA regularly hosts:
- Community awareness campaigns
- GBVF dialogues and community conversations
- Stakeholder engagement meetings
- Capacity-building workshops
- School awareness programmes
- Human rights education sessions
- Gender equality campaigns
- Media awareness campaigns
- Multi-sectoral coordination meetings
- Advocacy and policy engagement sessions
These activities create opportunities for community members and stakeholders to discuss the root causes of violence, identify local solutions, strengthen referral pathways, and improve coordination among service providers.
Working With Diverse Stakeholders
The programme operates at multiple levels, from grassroots communities to national and international networks. TYHSA works closely with:
- Community members and local leaders
- Traditional leaders and faith-based organisations
- Schools and educational institutions
- Government departments
- Civil society organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Healthcare providers
- Law enforcement agencies
- Justice sector institutions
- National and international development partners
We also engage with Chapter 9 Institutions, including the Commission for Gender Equality and the South African Human Rights Commission, to promote accountability, gender justice, human rights awareness, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Key Focus Areas
Gender-Based Violence Prevention
Raising awareness and educating communities on preventing violence before it occurs.
Community Mobilisation
Building community ownership and collective action against Gender-Based Violence.
Human Rights and Gender Equality
Promoting respect, dignity, equality, and social justice for all.
Stakeholder Coordination
Strengthening collaboration among service providers and community structures.
NSP-GBVF Localisation
Supporting the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF at municipal and community level.
Survivor Support and Referrals
Providing information and referrals to appropriate support services for survivors of violence.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement
Advocating for improved services, stronger accountability, and effective implementation of policies that protect vulnerable populations.
Key Activities
- Community dialogues and public engagements
- Stakeholder workshops and coordination meetings
- NSP-GBVF awareness sessions
- School-based GBV prevention programmes
- Human rights education campaigns
- Capacity building for community structures
- Gender equality and social justice campaigns
- Community mobilisation initiatives
- Media and advocacy campaigns
- Referral and support services
Impact
Through the Rise Up Together-supported project and other GBVF initiatives, TYHSA has strengthened community participation, enhanced stakeholder coordination, increased awareness of GBVF issues, and contributed to the localisation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF within uMlalazi Municipality. The programme continues to build partnerships and empower communities to become active participants in creating safer, more equitable, and violence-free societies.
Our Vision
To build communities where women, girls, children, young people, and all vulnerable groups can live in safety, dignity, equality, and freedom from violence.