The department is indeed monitoring and advocating for the implementation of measures to address the heightened vulnerability of women and girls with disabilities to Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Policy and legislation advocacy and implementation: The department advocates for the integration of disability-specific considerations in policies and legislation. This includes promoting accessible and inclusive justice and support services. Based on advocacy and monitoring efforts, certain GBVF legislations have been enacted including the National Council on GBVF Act No.9 of 2024, which promotes multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach that recognises disability as an important factor in tackling the GBVF scourge.
Strategic guidance: The department monitors implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP on GBVF) and the Comprehensive National GBVF Prevention Strategy. In 2023, Cabinet approved the concept on dealing with GBVF as if it is a Pandemic. The concept centres on strengthening political and administrative institutional arrangements; evidence base, prevention and economic empowerment of women in all their diversity.