RESEARCH & REPORTS
The ITSNOTOK movement is proud to be associated with GBV research which underpins all our initiatives, providing critical data to drive impactful change
The Costly Impact of GBV
The purpose of this report, titled The Costly Impact of GBV, is to drive accountability within the private sector, and influence GBV-related system change and policymaking, to contribute towards enabling equal opportunities and empowering women in the workplace. Globally, gender inequality in the workplace has widened due to Covid-19. Now, more than ever, companies need a comprehensive plan to support and advance women in business, with a focus on accountability and results. By achieving gender equality in the workplace, the entire ecosystem benefits. When the most talented employees (regardless of gender) can rise to the top, with no one left behind, the entire company benefits. ​ In 2014, KPMG South Africa published research titled Too Costly to Ignore – The Economic Impact of Gender-based Violence in South Africa that described the full economic impact of violence against women as well as the impact on their children. Our research builds on that and seeks to explore and track the awareness, know-ledge, impact, and opinions about GBV and its prevention in the private sector in South Africa. Despite growing awareness around the issue, reliable and harmonised data on the understanding, prevalence, and real cost of GBV in the private sector is still hard to find and an under-researched subject. For the leadership and employee findings we used primary data comprising tran-scripts of interviews with 73 company CEOs, executive directors and leadership, as well as written responses to an online survey questionnaire completed by 2 270 employees. For the section on the impact of GBV on healthcare costs in South Africa, our estimation was based on a literature study accompanied by secondary research data obtained from the World Bank and the WHO. The key findings in this section of the research are not intended to be exhaustive but are instead considered as important take-outs from this phase of the research. Readers interested in a more comprehensive understanding of this topic are encouraged to read the full report. The intent of this report is to present a realistic picture of the economic costs of GBV in South Africa.
The research was led by Prof. Corné Davis from the University of Johannesburg in collaboration with Tiekie Barnard, SVAI CEO and founder of the #ITSNOTOK movement. The research was conducted in partnership with Mid Sweden University and supported by KPMG South Africa.
REPORT EXTRACT
Gender Equality and Transformation in JSE-Listed Companies
It is generally known that women are underrepresented in executive and board membership roles in private sector organisations. While the work done by organisations such as the 30% Club is commendable, the aspiration of 25% to 30% representation for women as a regulatory requirement can no longer be deemed sufficient for business change and growth, as shown in the McKinsey Global Institute Report (2015) and the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report (2020). It has to be the foremost imperative for every business to ensure women’s positions in power advancement in boardrooms and at executive management level.
Gender Equality Implementation Guide
Launched in 2023, the Gender Equality Implementation Guide is a bespoke, African-developed resource designed to empower organisations to advance gender equality and combat gender-based violence and discrimination. This indispensable tool provides a clear, comprehensive framework of policies, programs, communication strategies, and evaluation guidelines. It equips leaders with the practical, step-by-step guidance needed to engage stakeholders, measure progress, and drive sustainable change toward a more equitable workplace.
