SASOL is a leading energy and chemical company based in South Africa. While the company is primarily known for its contributions to the energy and petrochemical sectors, it has also been making significant strides toward addressing gender-based violence in the country. Through a range of initiatives and partnerships, SASOL has demonstrated a commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in South Africa.
With high rates of rape, domestic violence, and femicide. According to the World Health Organization, South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the issue, with lockdowns and economic stressors contributing to a surge in violence against women and children.
In response to this crisis, SASOL has launched several initiatives aimed at addressing gender-based violence and supporting survivors. In 2020, the company partnered with the Department of Social Development to provide financial support to shelters for victims of gender-based violence. This funding was used to provide essential services such as shelter, counselling, and legal support to survivors.
SASOL has also partnered with the UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office to support the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC). The GBVCC is a national helpline and referral service that provides support to survivors of gender-based violence. Through its partnership with UN Women, SASOL has contributed to the expansion and enhancement of the GBVCC, helping to ensure that more survivors can access the services they need.
In addition to these partnerships, SASOL has implemented internal programs to support gender equality and prevent gender-based violence within the company. The company has established a Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy, which sets out the standards of behavior expected of employees and provides a framework for reporting and addressing incidents of violence or harassment.
SASOL has also launched an employee-led initiative called “Men in Dialogue”, which encourages male employees to engage in discussions around gender equality and violence prevention. This initiative seeks to empower men to take an active role in addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality both within the company and in the wider community.
Overall, SASOL has demonstrated a commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence in South Africa. Through its partnerships and internal initiatives, the company is working to support survivors, raise awareness, and empower women and men to take action against violence. While the problem of gender-based violence remains a significant challenge in South Africa, initiatives such as those undertaken by SASOL provide hope for a more just and equitable future.
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