An assessment of the implementation of the KwaZulu-Natal 365 Days Policy Framework for the Eradication of Gender-Based Violence focusing on victim support to Indian women living in the flat-dwelling areas of Westcliff, Chatsworth

Abstract

Despite vast research on gender-based violence, little is known about the implementation of policies on gender-based violence in minority groups. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the KwaZulu-Natal 365 Days Policy Framework for the Eradication of Gender-Based Violence, particularly the Victim Support Programme, in the minority Indian community in Westcliff, Chatsworth in South Africa. Indians are identified as a minority in South Africa and the Indian women in the Westcliff flats have multiple intersecting social identities that make their vulnerability to gender-based violence much greater. A qualitative research design was adopted using Westcliff as a case study. Data was collected through interviews from the street-level bureaucrats directly implementing the Policy Framework and civil society organisations at sub-national level. Data from beneficiaries was collected through an online survey and interviews with women from the community. All data was analysed through thematic analysis using the 7Cs of content, context, commitment, capacity, clients and coalitions, communication, and coordination. This study found that Indian women who are aware of the victim support find it mostly unhelpful. Reasons for not using the services included stigma and fear of further abuse. The direct implementers of the Policy Framework are challenged with limited resources, capacities, and lack of commitment to implement the policy in Westcliff. The overall finding is that an interplay of the intersecting dynamics of gender, race, culture, and geography affects policy implementation at this level and poses a challenge for policy implementation if interventions are not context-specific. This study recommends that the Policy Framework ensures consultations at all of the lower levels and considers the context of the minority group of Indian Women in Westcliff for effective and efficient policy implementation on gender-based violence.