Full Breakdown
Women in South Africa Turn to Self-Defense Amid Rising Gender-Based Violence
3/7/2026, 8:35:25 PM
Growing Concern Over Gender-Based Violence
In South Africa, gender-based violence has reached alarming levels, prompting the government to declare it a national disaster in November 2022. Femicide rates in the country are reported to be five to six times higher than the global average, with approximately 15 women killed daily due to such violence, according to Mpiwa Mangwiro-Tsanga, policy development and advocacy manager at Sonke Gender Justice. A 2022 study indicated that over 35% of South African women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence, predominantly from intimate partners.
Women’s Self-Defense Initiatives
In response to this crisis, many women are seeking self-defense training, including firearm courses and martial arts. At the Lone Operator shooting range in Bronkhorstspruit, women of various ages participate in firearm training to enhance their self-defense skills. Claire van der Westhuizen, the lead instructor, emphasizes practical training scenarios, while participants like Sunette du Toit share personal experiences that motivate them to gain confidence and self-protection skills.
Tatiana Leyka, a 33-year-old participant in jiujitsu classes in Johannesburg, highlights the importance of self-defense skills, stating, “With the rise in numbers of gender-based violence, it’s good for you to be able to defend yourself.” These training programs are becoming increasingly popular as women seek to empower themselves in a society where traditional protective measures often fall short.
Official Responses and Criticism
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster aims to allocate resources to combat the issue. However, critics argue that there is a significant gap between policy and implementation. Mangwiro-Tsanga points out that despite progressive policies, the lack of women’s shelters and inadequate support systems reflect a failure to address the root causes of violence effectively. The conviction rate for reported rapes remains low, with only about 8% resulting in convictions in 2021, according to Amnesty International.
The Burden of Self-Defense
While self-defense training offers women a sense of empowerment, it also raises concerns about the societal implications of such measures. Mangwiro-Tsanga warns that relying on firearms and martial arts places an additional burden on women, who are already facing significant challenges. Instructors like Stephanie Graham acknowledge that while training can boost confidence, it does not guarantee safety in all situations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had to do this (firearm training) for myself to gain my confidence back to be able to move in public, and even in my own house, without feeling vulnerable.” — Sunette du Toit, Participant
- “It is a shame that our country has the dubious distinction of having one of the world’s highest levels of violence against women and girls,” — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
- “We can only hope that it’ll give us more confidence and heightened awareness so that we can perceive a threat a little bit earlier than the average person would,” — Stephanie Graham, Jiujitsu Instructor
As South African women continue to seek ways to protect themselves, the interplay between self-defense initiatives and systemic issues of gender-based violence remains a critical area of focus for both activists and policymakers.
