Children Demand Greater Inclusion in National Plan to Address GBVF Ahead of SVRI Forum 2024

The NSP-GBVF, which serves as South Africa's key framework to combat gender-based violence and femicide, was critiqued for not including a distinct focus on violence against children.

Ahead of the 2024 Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum being held this week in Cape Town, South African children have voiced their concerns over the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), stating that it fails to adequately address the specific needs of children. The NSP-GBVF, which serves as South Africa's key framework to combat gender-based violence and femicide, was critiqued for not including a distinct focus on violence against children.

During a side event organized by the Department of Social Development and UNICEF, 17-year-old Inathi Kente, a representative of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament and the Western Cape Child Ambassador, spoke out on behalf of South Africa's youth. He emphasized the need for children to have a dedicated pillar in the NSP-GBVF, highlighting that their perspectives are often overlooked by adults making decisions on their behalf.

Exclusion of Children from Decision-Making Processes

Addressing the event-themed "Addressing the Intersection Between Violence Against Children and Violence Against Women," Kente underscored the recurring exclusion of children from critical discussions. He criticized the timing of the side event, which coincided with exam preparations, limiting children's participation. Despite being in the midst of his exam season, Kente represented South Africa’s 21 million children at the forum.

His colleague, another Western Cape child ambassador, could not attend the event due to her matric exam preparations. Kente pointed out that children would not be participating in the SVRI Forum either, further demonstrating their exclusion from discussions that directly affect their lives.

Critique of the NSP-GBVF

In a detailed critique of the NSP-GBVF, Kente argued that the current document uses strong and complex language that is not child-friendly. He called for the plan to include a specific pillar—Pillar 7—that focuses exclusively on children’s issues.

"The NSP does not consider the needs of children, nor does it ensure accountability when it comes to addressing violence against us. We are not part of the portfolio committees where policies that affect our lives are decided," Kente said. He also highlighted the absence of discussions around boy children in the NSP, despite South Africa’s stance that gender-based violence is not a gender-biased issue.

Kente further criticized the inadequacies of the criminal justice system, stating that children often face corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), and are required to bring an adult to report abuse—leaving them vulnerable to perpetrators. He noted that the NSP prioritizes violence against women, older persons, and those with disabilities, but largely omits children.

Call for Action

The children also called for comprehensive campaigns to raise awareness about violence against children, particularly targeting boy children with specialized programs and interventions.

In response to these concerns, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe acknowledged the validity of the children's critiques and committed to advancing their concerns within the NSP-GBVF. Minister Tolashe emphasized the importance of adding Pillar 7 to ensure that violence against children receives the focus it deserves.

“The issues raised by the children are genuine and must be addressed in the implementation and further development of the NSP-GBVF. The inclusion of Pillar 7 will ensure that violence against children is given the attention it needs,” Minister Tolashe stated.

The SVRI Forum 2024, held from October 21–25 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, is the world’s leading research conference on violence against women and children, with a focus on addressing gender inequality in low- and middle-income countries.