Sibisi, Zanele2025-02-122024Sibisi, Zanele. (2024). Effectiveness of the Socio-economic Interventions that Empower Women’s Resilience Against Gender-based Violence in eMalahleni [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43854A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024Gender-based violence (GBV) is pervasive in South Africa, impacting both genders across demographics. Studies reveal alarming rates, with 51% of women and 76% of men experiencing or perpetrating GBV. Partner violence and femicide are particularly concerning, with one in five women facing violence from partners, and the femicide rate five times the global average. GBV incurs a substantial economic cost of R 35.4 billion yearly, akin to employing 200,000 primary school teachers. It manifests in various forms and involves multiple perpetrators, necessitating socio-economic interventions addressing poverty and gender disparities. Empowering women through economic initiatives and challenging traditional gender norms are crucial strategies. By evaluating socioeconomic interventions in specific contexts, such as eMalahleni, South Africa, researchers can gain valuable insights into the mechanisms through which these interventions empower women and mitigate the risk of GBV. A semi-structured interview guide was created for discussions on interventions against gender-based violence (GBV) in eMalahleni, drawing upon the Gender Transformative and Capability Approaches. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze data, ensuring rigor through peer debriefing and member checking. The study delves into the demographics and experiences of GBV survivors, highlighting the diverse challenges they face. Most participants, aged 21-40, deal with additional burdens if they have children. Education and employment status influence vulnerability. GBV survivors endure various abuses, often resorting to self-referral for support. However, there is limited use of non-governmental organizations (NGO) services. Participants stress the necessity of comprehensive interventions offering immediate and long-term support, including socio-economic empowerment. They advocate for ongoing assistance to aid effective recovery. Recommendations emphasize holistic support, community involvement, and government funding to combat GBV effectively. The study proposes an innovative framework for assisting GBV victimsen© 2025 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Gender-based violenceSocio-economic interventionsWomen’s resiliencewomen’s empowermentFramework for GBV interventionUCTDSDG-5: Gender equalityDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg