Gender based violence as a pandemic: Sociocultural and religious factors in South Africa

Abstract

This scholarly article examines how gender based violence (GBV), violence against women (VAW) and intimate partner violence (IPV) in South Africa have reached crisis levels. By exploring the patriarchal social structures and religious norms prevalent in South African society, the author highlights how cultural and religious systems can enable and normalise violence against women, particularly in contexts where over 86 % of the population identifies as Christian.
The piece uses African Women’s Theology as a critical framework, challenging faith communities to reassess traditional interpretations that may perpetuate gender inequality and gender based harm. Its insights are valuable for Human Rights Day discussions that connect faith, human dignity, and gender justice.