Pick n Pay is a well-known South African retail giant that has taken significant strides towards tackling the issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country. GBV is a pervasive problem in South Africa, and it disproportionately affects women and children. Pick n Pay has taken a proactive approach to address this issue, recognizing its responsibility as a corporate citizen to support its communities and drive positive change.
One of the key ways in which Pick n Pay has tackled GBV is through its partnership with the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA). The company has been working with SANCA since 2019 to provide support to victims of GBV and to educate its employees about the issue. Through this partnership, Pick n Pay has provided funding for SANCA to run a helpline that offers counseling and support to GBV victims. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, and it has been a vital resource for those in need of assistance.
In addition to its partnership with SANCA, Pick n Pay has also taken steps to educate its employees about GBV. The company has implemented training programs that provide employees with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and report instances of GBV. This training is mandatory for all employees, and it includes information on how to provide support to victims and how to refer them to the appropriate resources for help.
Pick n Pay has also taken steps to raise awareness about GBV among its customers. The company has launched campaigns that aim to educate the public about the issue and to encourage people to take action to address it. For example, in 2020, Pick n Pay launched a campaign called “Silent No More” that encouraged people to break the silence around GBV and to speak out against it. The campaign included posters, social media posts, and other marketing materials that were displayed in Pick n Pay stores across the country.
Another way in which Pick n Pay has supported GBV victims is by providing practical assistance. For example, the company has provided funding for the installation of CCTV cameras in areas where GBV is known to be a problem. These cameras serve as a deterrent to potential perpetrators and provide evidence that can be used to prosecute those who commit acts of GBV.
Overall, Pick n Pay has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the issue of GBV in South Africa. Through its partnerships, training programs, awareness campaigns, and practical support, the company has played an important role in helping to prevent and respond to this pervasive problem. As a major corporate citizen in South Africa, Pick n Pay has shown that it takes its responsibility to support its communities seriously, and it serves as a model for other companies looking to make a positive impact in the fight against GBV.
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