​The Gauteng Department of Social Development, Social Work Supervisor under Gender-Based Violence Unit in Ekurhuleni Region, Delisile Dube said government must address unemployment and emancipation of women as some of these issues are root-causes to high cases of gender-based violence and femicide.
She was speaking in line with the global theme, “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for women’s empowerment”, where South African government acknowledges that while the country has made numerous strides in advancing women, their full participation in the economy is still to be realised.

Speaking to Weekly Bulletin Reporter, Phetoho Maja during a Women’s Day Awareness at Madelakufa Informal Settlement in Tembisa on Tuesday, 08 August 2023, Dube said government must create more job opportunities for women so that they reduce reliance on their male counterparts and be able to stand on their own.

“Domestic violence is the most reported case in Ekurhuleni Region. This includes violence between partners (married or unmarried), ex-partners, immediate family members, other relatives, and family friends.”

“Human trafficking is also prevalent especially in the area of Kempton Park. So, we always try to raise awareness around these issues just to conscientize communities so that they also know where to report these cases.”

“As we observe Women’s Month, we want to promote women empowerment, because some of these issues point to unemployment as a root-cause,” said Dube.

Dube further reiterated the importance of debriefing and trauma counselling for Social Workers who work in the GBV Unit to make use of counselling offered for free by the Department to all officials and staff members.