Gender-based violence (GBV) casts a long shadow over society. It is a human rights violation with farreaching consequences, transcending gender lines and socioeconomic boundaries. It is also a global epidemic that is particularly rampant in South Africa, where rural areas bear a disproportionate burden.
While typically associated with interpersonal relationships, the reach of GBV extends far beyond homes and workplaces, penetrating deeply into industries like agriculture. Its economic toll is staggering, with losses in productivity and GDP equivalent to significant national expenditures.
In a 2014 report titled ‘Too costly to ignore – the economic impact of gender-based violence in South Africa’, professional services firm KPMG delved into how GBV
