Participants lie on the ground holding signs that read "Stop violence against women" during a gender-based violence protest, Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 21, 2025

StatsSA reports that more than 40% of households are headed by women. In informal settlements, that figure is 53%. This means that prioritising the needs of women will have a direct impact on improving the lives of a significant portion of some of the country's most vulnerable households.

Most South Africans think women and girls are likely to be believed if they complain of discrimination or harassment, but an overwhelming majority say the police and courts need to do more to protect women and girls from such treatment.