The National
Council on Gender-Based Violence collapsed due to a lack of funds. The implementation of the Domestic Violence Act is ineffective. The Maintenance Act is skewed in favour of men. The burden of proof with regard to a lack of means by men to the prosecution in maintenance matters lies with women. Should men in maintenance matters plead a lack of means as a defence to noncompliance with an existing maintenance order, women rely on maintenance investigators to establish whether the accused is telling the truth and has a valid defence.
Transforming the patriarchal consciousness of institutions requires a complete gender overhaul of societal institutions, primarily families, the school system and the curriculum.
We work in partnership with civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, youth and traditional leadership formations, and we must transform the discourse and attitudes of those at the top in these institutions.