Beyond Justice: Supporting GBV Survivors in Africa

Azwihangwisi Judith Mphidi and Debra Pheiffer reviewed ten research papers from South Africa to understand how gender-based violence survivors rebuild their lives, finding that legal and policing responses alone are insufficient. The researchers determined survivors need holistic support addressing psychological, economic, and social wellbeing. They identified four key elements for effective recovery: peer-led psychological care, economic collectives like savings groups, integrated digital services, and community-based participatory approaches.

The review highlighted the importance of empowering survivors as active agents in their recovery, not simply as recipients of aid. Women participating in initiatives such as stokvels (savings groups) and solar cooperatives experienced increased agency, economic independence, and leadership opportunities. Access to energy was found to be a critical, often overlooked, component of safety and opportunity, with solar initiatives providing both lighting and income generation.

The study emphasizes a shift from fragmented, single-sector responses to integrated approaches that prioritize partnership with survivors and local knowledge.