Legal news and commentary from the offices of Simon Dippenaar
Largest analysis of its kind finds one in seven globally said they had experienced violence in the last year We know we have a problem with gender-based and domestic violence in South Africa, and we know it is a global phenomenon, as reports that have emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic have shown. But this study, […]
Actor says playing role of abused wife gave her new insight and hardened her stance on the issue This is a shocking statistic: “…for every three months that lockdowns continue, an additional 15 million women around the world are expected to be affected by violence”. Nicole Kidman speaks out against gender-based violence after playing an […]
The issue of abusive men – reprinted from the Guardian. By Sonia Sodha – 2020-11-01 Once again, a male perpetrator of violence is painted as terribly misunderstood Reeva Steenkamp: shot to death through a bathroom door Photograph: Gallo Images/Getty Images Her name was Reeva Steenkamp. She was a 29-year-old model who was the face […]
Elite Models boss Gérald Marie was one of the most powerful men in fashion. Was he also a sexual predator? As French prosecutors investigate, four women tell their stories for the first time Reprinted from the Guardian. A special investigation by Lucy Osborne – 2020-10-17 It is three years since the news broke about Harvey […]
This article was written by the executive director of White Ribbon Australia, part of a global social movement working to eliminate gendered violence. Replace “Australia” with “South Africa” and everything he says is equally true of our society. Inequality is so deeply embedded structurally that men and women alike see nothing wrong with mother-in-law jokes […]
Two new books and a film suggest young men need compassion and support to tackle their adolescent alienation We’ve written previously about toxic masculinity, #metoo, and gender-based violence and discrimination. This article from the Guardian, by Vanessa Thorpe, 2020-03-14, reviews several new attempts to redefine modern masculinity. The views expressed are not necessarily those of […]
Violence against women in the workplace – time for it to stop! 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children runs from 25 November till 10 December each year. In fact, the 25th of November is specifically observed as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, an initiative started […]
“Shows with traumatic plotlines are shifting the national debate” The Netflix mini-series, Unbelievable, may be an American production, but its story is resonating with women all over the world. Conversation has turned to a discussion of Unbelievable in Cape Town and Johannesburg bars and coffee shops more than once recently. What is your view of […]
Women are still not paid equally for equal work Last year during Women’s Month the world was focused on the Harvey Weinstein case and the #metoo campaign, which emerged in the wake of a parade of women coming forward with harrowing tales of sexual abuse and sexual harassment at the hands of Weinstein and many […]
As we observe the global 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, we have been moved to reflect on the portrayal, images and experiences of women in our society, especially in light of recent events in the media and the #metoo campaign.