The United Nations in South Africa congratulates the Government of South Africa on the launch of the Gender-Based Violence Response Fund

Pretoria – The United Nations in South Africa congratulates President Cyril Ramaphosa on the launch of the first ever Private Sector Gender-Based Violence Response Fund 1. The fund is one of the mechanisms set up to finance the implementation of the ambitious National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

“As UN South Africa, we are mindful that it is not just the business of Government alone, but requires a whole-of-society approach,” said Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the head and Resident Coordinator in South Africa. “We therefore congratulate the private sector companies who have come forward to put their money where their mouth is by bringing resources to the table to address this second pandemic – gender-based violence and femicide.”

In her remarks during the launch of the fund, Ms. Bekele-Thomas committed the support of the entire United Nations system towards the implementation of the National Strategic Plan adding, “I commit the support of the entire United Nations system toward the implementation of the National Strategic Plan. We understand that this is not the business of a single agency, but the business of the entire UN system – simply because we understand the multi-sectoral nature of the problem.’’

“We hope that this is just the beginning as we join in pleading for the support of all partners and donors, especially philanthropic trusts, foundations and the business community operating in South Africa and abroad,” she said. 

For interviews and media enquiries, please contact Zeenat Abdool, UN Associate Public Information Officer, at abdool@un.org or 0827788080