The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) wrapped up its 5th Annual GBV Shelter Indaba with a powerful message: shelters are transforming lives, driving policy change, and building a stronger national response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), but these critical GBVF disruptors need more support.
This year’s expanded three-day Indaba featured workshops, film screenings, policy dialogues, and a gala awards ceremony – a collaboration with the Department of Social Development and the Heinrich Boell Foundation – reflecting the organisation’s growing influence and the urgency of strengthening protections for survivors.
NSMSA announced strong progress on its 2024 resolutions. Some major achievements include:
- A fully expanded Indaba programme, strengthening national engagement.
- Global publication of the Action Learning Model Handbook, a key resource for best-practice shelter management.
- Record public education outreach, with 44 webinars, 25 press releases, and surging social media growth.
Progress also continued on key advocacy priorities, including the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, improved shelter funding, oversight in Gauteng, and enhanced collaboration with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE).
Powerful Storytelling & Innovation
Delegates were moved by the screening of Dorpie, a documentary by AfriDocs that highlights the realities of small-town GBV, while The Safe House Project brought art and activism together to honour survivors through textile storytelling and community messages.
Workshops showcased practical tools, from trauma-healing play techniques for children to guidance on creating inclusive, LGBTIQ-affirming shelters. NSMSA and Nisaa also presented the Action Learning Shelter Model, offering a transformative framework for effective, compassionate shelter leadership.
The Shelter Indaba also spotlighted funding partnerships, digital safety, child trafficking concerns, and progress by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF. And our delegation to the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters are confident that South Africa is ready to host the next global gathering.
“In a country with some of the highest GBV and femicide statistics, globally, shelters remain at the frontline of safety and hope,” NSMSA said. “Our consistent progress strengthens our momentum but we need more support (resources, and coordinated action) and more funding (accountability) so that we can push even harder to secure a safer, happier South Africa for all who live here.”
If You Need Help – Or Know Someone Who Does? *Share widely
National GBV Shelter Helpline (Toll-free, 24/7): 0800 001 005
SMS/WhatsApp/Please Call Me: 082 057 8600 | 082 058 2215 | 072 230 7147
Email: infohelpline@nationalsm.org.za
To support the NSMSA’s fundraising campaign, please visit: A United Voice Against GBVF | Back-a-Buddy
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