The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities intends on introducing the 2021 National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Bill to Parliament in the current financial year.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities explained that the Bill would set the legal framework for the establishment of the National Council on GBVF aimed at coordinating the country’s response to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide.

“The Bill seeks to establish a multi-sectoral, independent and non-partisan advisory body, comprising of representatives from both government and civil society organisations to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” the department said.

This envisaged structure will be accountable to a board and will provide technical and administrative support to the council.

The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Secretariat, led by a chief executive officer, will provide technical and administrative support to the council.