To mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism, beauty brand Avon South Africa and the TEARS Foundation announced the launch of the Survivor-Centered Response Summit and Training Programme, a national initiative to combat gender-based violence (GBV) through empowerment, advocacy, and critical training for first-line responders.

The launch event was held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) earlier this week.

The initiative follows the release of a damning Public Protector Report in June this year which revealed a complex web of administrative challenges hindering the processing of GBVF-related matters.

It scrutinised the support systems offered to GBVF victims by key government entities, including the Departments of Justice and Constitutional Development, Social Development, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Key issues highlighted included, among others, convoluted application processes, and prolonged investigation and prosecution timelines that exacerbate trauma.

Inadequate coordination among stakeholders, insufficient resources and training for personnel handling GBVF cases, and poor data management hamper effective case monitoring, further compounding these issues.

“We are profoundly troubled by these identified gaps and inefficiencies that perpetuate trauma and obstruct justice for survivors. Yet, while the revelations of administrative deficiencies in the handling of GBVF cases are sobering, they also present an immense opportunity for transformative action and change,” Mara Glennie, founder, and CEO of TEARS Foundation, a leading South African non-profit dedicated to supporting survivors of GBV and sexual abuse, said.

Mara Glennie from the TEARS Foundation. Picture : Simone Kley.

“This pioneering Summit and training initiative will be available across South Africa, creating vital opportunities for training and support to ensure that the often-overlooked first-line responders to GBV are equipped with the skills and resources needed to offer compassionate and survivor-centered care,” she added.

At the heart of this collaboration is a focus on equipping those unsung heroes who are often the first point of contact for survivors of gender-based violence, including traditional leaders, church and community groups, healthcare workers, police officers, security guards, and women-focused organisations.

These individuals play a crucial role in the immediate support and long-term healing of survivors, yet they often lack the tailored resources and training necessary to respond effectively.

Avon and the TEARS Foundation will equip first-line responders with the knowledge and tools to provide survivors with dignity, empathy, and expert care.

“By amplifying the voices of survivors, advocating for policy reforms, and partnering with organisations like TEARS Foundation, Avon is working towards a world where every woman can thrive without fear. We are a beauty brand with purpose at heart, and we believe it’s crucial to support not only survivors but also those who provide care and assistance to them. Our partnership with TEARS is a significant step in this direction. It’s about empowering the entire community to recognise the signs of abuse and giving them the tools to respond effectively, helping victims transition into survivors,” Ndumiso Mngomezulu, Director of Brand and Integrated Communication at Avon South Africa said.

Why this partnership matters: A social justice approach to combat GBV.

For Avon South Africa, the brand said that partnering with the TEARS Foundation is about more than addressing GBV, it’s about advancing social justice. Gender-based violence is a profound injustice that disproportionately affects women, leaving them vulnerable to violence.

Avon said it is committed to building a world where every woman can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.

“This partnership is not just a response to a crisis; it is a commitment to creating a future where women and vulnerable groups can live free from violence, and where everyone plays a role in upholding the rights and safety of all. As a brand founded on the principles of empowerment, we understand that a better world for women is a better world for everyone. Our mission is to support women everywhere, and our partnership with the TEARS Foundation is a direct extension of that commitment,” Ndumiso said.

“GBV is a systemic issue, driven by deeply entrenched societal inequalities. By approaching it from a social justice perspective, we aim to provide the resources necessary for real, lasting change.”

This initiative is part of Avon’s global Love Strong campaign, which highlights the importance of recognising the subtle signs of abuse beyond physical violence.

By ensuring survivors are heard, believed, and supported, Avon and its partners strive to create a future where women are empowered to seek help and break free from toxic relationships.

“One in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime, and on average, UN stats indicate that 140 women or girls are killed every day by someone they know. It’s a global epidemic that knows no boundaries,” Ndumiso said.

“Through our Love Strong campaign, we are committed to raising awareness about GBV, ensuring that survivors have access to the help they need, and equipping our communities with the tools to identify abuse and offer support. We are creating a ripple of change, one survivor at a time.”

Empowering change

Starting early next year, the TEARS Foundation, a QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), will lead the nationwide rollout of the Survivor-Centered Summit and Training Programme.

With a vision to expand the curriculum over time, the Summit and Training Programme are designed with two initial focus areas:

• Unravelling the Amended Domestic Violence Act: This section explores the key amendments to the Domestic Violence Act 14 of 2021, which came into effect in April 2023. The TEARS team will provide first-line responders with an in-depth look at the updated legislation, highlighting its provisions and addressing concerns about its implementation.

• Empowering Change: Ensuring the Practical Implementation of the Amended Domestic Violence Act: This section focuses on trauma-informed care, building multi-dimensional support networks, and creating effective interventions to ensure enforcement of the Act. Designed for first-line responders, this module equips participants with the tools to help survivors navigate a system that often feels broken.

The time for action is now

First-line responders who are keen to be at the forefront of positive change, and who would like to register and benefit from the Survivor-Centered Summit and Training Programme, can contact Mara Glennie at TEARS Foundation at:

Email: mara@tears.co.za

Phone: +27 82 448 9324

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16 Days of Activism: empowering first-line responders to build a safer, stronger society