Gender-based violence against women in Johannesburg, South Africa

Despite ongoing efforts by the United Nations to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV), it remains a major human rights issue globally, particularly in Johannesburg, South Africa. Previous studies suggest that various sociocultural and economic factors may be associated with gender-based violence against women in Johannesburg, South Africa. As such, this study was conducted by the authors to examine the relationships between cultural beliefs, societal attitudes, poverty, unemployment among men and the measured gender-based-violence construct against women in Johannesburg, South Africa, aiming to provide evidence to support stronger policy frameworks and strategic interventions. A deductive, quantitative approach was used, and data were collected through questionnaires from 183 women (aged 18 and above) in Johannesburg using non-probability snowball sampling. Data were analysed using SPSS and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test reliability, validity, and hypotheses. The study found that cultural belief, societal attitude, and poverty were significantly associated with gender-based violence against women in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study recommends implementing educational programmes to challenge harmful gender norms, engaging men and boys in dialogue, improving media representation of women, addressing harmful traditional practices, and strengthening legal protections for women. Sustainable interventions can help reduce and potentially eradicate gender-based violence, promoting gender equality.