Every Woman, Girl “must live with dignity”: Catholic Women in Southern Africa Share Commitment in Addressing GBV

By Silas Isenjia

Johannesburg, 09 March, 2026 / 11:00 pm (ACI Africa).

Members of St Anne’s Sodality of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) have expressed their commitment to addressing Gender-Based-Violence (GBV) in the region that brings together the three nations of South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini.

In a Saturday, March 7 interview with the Vatican news ahead of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated annually on March 8, the National President of the Catholic Women’s sodality group urged the Church to continue advocating for the protection and empowerment of women and girls.

“Every woman and girl, regardless of background or ability, must live with dignity and freedom,” Lindiwe Zondi said, highlighting the role of one of the group of Catholic women.

Ms. Zondi explained, “Our work is centered on supporting families, assisting those in need, and participating fully in the life of the Church. We visit communities, accompany the vulnerable, and offer practical support such as food, clothing, and care.”

According to the Vatican report, St Anne’s Sodality has more than 18,000 members spread across 26 Dioceses. Eager to serve the family, the Church, and the community, members are actively involved in parish ministries, family accompaniment, and outreach to vulnerable persons.

The mission of the sodality unfolds against the backdrop of a severe crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa.

Research shows that women constitute just over half of the country’s population, about 51 percent, yet many continue to face violence in their homes and communities. National research indicates that more than half of women report experiencing some form of gender-based violence.

Studies also show that roughly one in three women in South Africa has experienced physical violence during her lifetime, while nearly one in ten has faced sexual violence. Overall, more than a third of adult women in the country have experienced physical or sexual violence.

The crisis is further reflected in the country’s femicide rates, which are estimated to be five times higher than the global average. South Africa has also been ranked among the countries with the highest rates of female deaths linked to interpersonal violence.

In the March 7 interview with the Vatican news, Ms Zondi said that Catholic women in the country are working at the grassroots level to accompany victims and promote awareness.

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“Gender-based violence affects many women in our communities,” she said, and added,“Through our gatherings, conferences, and workshops, we speak openly about these issues and encourage women to seek support and stand up for their dignity.”

St Anne’s Sodality also works closely with the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO), particularly through the World Women’s Observatory (WWO), an initiative that listens to women’s experiences and advocates for their rights.

Information and pastoral insights shared through this global network are passed on to parish communities, where much of the practical work takes place.

“Many women who suffer violence cannot afford counselling,” Ms. Zondi said and explained, “But through the sodality they find a space where they can speak, be listened to, and receive support from other women.”

The sodality also promotes mentorship programmes in which experienced women accompany younger girls, helping them grow in confidence, leadership, and faith.

Reflecting on the call of the Synod on Synodality, she highlighted the importance of greater participation of women in the life and leadership of the Church.

“If women are more involved in leadership, it will help them to be recognized and contribute more visibly in the Church. We must journey together as brothers and sisters, collaborating in the mission of the Church,” she said.

For the women of St Anne’s Sodality, she added, the message of IWD remains clear: defending dignity, promoting justice, and ensuring that women and girls can live in safety and freedom.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.