The SADC Strategy and Framework of Action for Addressing Gender Based Violence has called for improvement in GBV data and information for evidence-based policy and programme planning in response to the vice. The strategy promotes generation and management of timely, reliable and quality data and strategic information on GBV.
SADC member states have been reporting on GBV annually for the past three years through a set of identified indicators.
It is against this background that SADC secretariat, with financial support from GIZ and UN Women, has organized a 4-day regional workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of member states on GBV reporting and create a platform to improve the GBV annual reporting framework.
The meeting which is taking place at Capital Hotel in South Africa, has commenced today and will run up to 21st February 2025.
Speaking during the workshop, Un Women Deputy Country Representative, Hazel Gooding, has urged all sectors to work together on data issues since there are a number of gaps that have been identified when reporting GBV data annually. Some of the notable key challenges associated with data reporting include accuracy, segregation, duplication, use of different data collection tools, and failure by some sectors to provide their reports.
The workshop will also create a room for discussing and sharing the findings of the assessment of current SADC annual GBV reporting framework, review the proposed changes and metadata associated with the SADC annual GBV reporting framework.
Furthermore, participants will discuss the evidence around the Africa shared research agenda and priorities and learn how to harness the power of research in GBV advocacy and prevention.
The meeting has drawn 60 participants from departments of gender, police, health, National Statistics Office and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Malawi is being represented by officials from YONECO, the Malawi Police Service and Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare.
