COVID-19 forces many families to stay indoors, a constraint that has taken a toll on life, including women’s well-being and safety. The gap in gender inequality has been widened by the pandemic, as reported domestic violence against women increased worldwide. To rub salt into the wound, although a spike in domestic violence calls for mitigation by legal and social services more than ever, essential personnel are diverted to meet other crises raised by the pandemic. In South Africa, this has posed serious consequences. The number of murders of girls or women is 5 times higher than the global average even before COVID-19. More than half of South African women have faced violence in their relationships at some point in life.

The “UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women” campaign by the UN Secretary-General marks16 days—from 25th November to 10th December—for Activism against Gender-based Violence. UN Women’s Generation Equality campaign supports the call to action. The organisations specifically aim to close funding gaps, ensure services for domestic violence survivors, focus on prevention, and collect data that will improve life-saving services for women and girls.

Joining this call to action, United Way South Africa fights for women and girls’ rights in South Africa by donating masks to organisations committed to the same cause. Furthermore, inspired by the local police’s request to help repair their “Wendy House,” a safe place for victims of domestic abuse to be interviewed and counseled, United Way South Africa plans to build more places like the Wendy House in areas where domestic violence are common.

United Way South Africa asks for financial support and partnerships to build more Wendy Houses. To learn more about United Way South Africa and respond to the call to action for gender equality, visit: https://www.unitedway.org.za/united-against-gender-based-violence?fbclid=IwAR0RytCmvwlgFR-XDQW1wZMfq3qShHYAmPXzg-k-Y98UuYiry13-S_-5-wo