Violence against women hampers their ability, productivity

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Mongezi Mtati

The Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA) believes that violence against women, as well as the fear of violence taking place in unsafe environments, is hampering the ability of women to realise their full potential and productivity in South African society.

Because many women are living in fear of violence taking place against them (and their children), they are not able to enjoy freedom of movement and association, which restricts them from many activities.

It joins with all women's organisations, NGOs, civil society, business and government in stating that all efforts must be made to stop this scourge in our society. According to the Association, women and men, in both public and private arenas, need more vigilance to enable women to live lives that are not affected by fear of violence and rid South Africa of this scourge that adversely affects the nation in a variety of different ways.

Importantly states BWASA, if South Africa continues to have such a high incidence of rape, this does not create a good business environment, as businesses have human rights responsibilities to uphold. The Association also applauds and asks for continued support of all NGOs, which are working in this environment to ease the burden on the victims and their families.

Empowering women to become financially independent and economically active should become a priority as part of a holistic effort to curb gender based violence.