Review and Analysis of South Africa’s Implementation of 365 days National Action Plan

As a country South Africa continues to make efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV). This is done through numerous approaches and strategies including legislation, policy, and strategic leadership and mainstreaming gender into various components of its work. The government leads efforts to abate GBV. The 16 Days Campaign against GBV has gained momentum in South Africa. However, there are no immediate signs of the GBV scourge abating with levels of GBV remaining high and South Africa ranking as having among the highest statistics of GBV in the world. While ending GBV is not an overnight effort, best practice from around the world suggests that what is required is a concerted, multi-sector, multi-stakeholder action plan with concrete targets and measurable input. In line with this and to intensify efforts to end GBV the 365 Days National Action Plan (NAP) was endorsed by the government of South Africa. The 365 Days NAP developed following nationwide consultations that were held during the 16 Days campaign in 2005. It was subsequently adopted during a conference held in May 2006 in Kopanong, Johannesburg (Government Communication (GCIS), 2006).

The purpose of this report is to provide consolidated reviews conducted on the 365 Days NAP implementation using the five targeted Pillars: Prevention, Response, Support, Advocacy & Awareness Raising, and Coordination & Communication. The reviews of the 365 Days NAP pillars highlight among others that GBV has largely been addressed and understood through responding to the aftermath of such violence.