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
CEO CONNECT FORUM - RAPPORTEURS REPORT 2025
Over 100 corporate leaders and changemakers convened at the CEO Connect Forum, hosted by Shared Value Africa and KPMG, under the theme "Accelerate Action: Urgency and Unity for Gender Equality." The forum addressed the critical gap between GBVH awareness and effective action within the corporate sector. Key discussions highlighted the sobering reality of GBVH in South Africa, with over 53,000 sexual offences and 42,500 rapes reported in 2024, and over 900 women murdered. A KPMG pilot study revealed that 78% of South African corporates lack GBV awareness training, and 94% do not have effective workplace policies to address the issue. The forum underscored that addressing GBVH is not merely a CSR concern but a business imperative, impacting productivity, reputation, and talent retention. Practical examples, like Woolworths' "safe spaces," demonstrated how corporate policy can translate into tangible support. A significant outcome was the call to establish a "GBVH universe" – a centralised hub for data, resources, and best practices. The commitment to forming the GBV Alliance, a coalition of corporate leaders focused on providing treatment and support to survivors, marks a crucial step forward. Key recommendations included reassessing workplace policies with a survivor-centred approach, embedding GBVH interventions into core business strategies, participating in cross-sector collaborations, and committing to ongoing learning and dialogue. The forum served as a powerful reminder that the private sector has a vital role to play in driving systemic change towards a gender-equal and violence-free future.
A Call for Urgent and United Action Against Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH)
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.
