Question NW3999 to the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
25 November 2022 - NW3999
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
(1)(a) What initiatives has she taken regarding the shortage of shelters for gender-based violence victims and (b) how does her department assist the specified victims where there are no shelters; (2) Whether any assistance has been requested from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure pertaining to the availability of buildings; if not, what are the reasons for not requesting such buildings; if so, what was the response regarding the request?
Reply:
1. Shelters and interim housing arrangements do not fall within the department’s remit. However, the Department in its key role in overseeing the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide took the initiative and reached out to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure pertaining the availability of unused government buildings to be used as shelters for abused women. Specifically, this effort aimed to (a) address the shortage of shelters for victims/survivors; and (b) ensure establishment of additional shelters in communities so that victims/survivors can better be served as well as accommodate LGBTQIA+ community, children and persons with disabilities.
2. The Department monitored the Department of public works and Infrastructure on the buildings they planned to offer to the Department of Social Development and also facilitated ongoing discussions between both departments to conclude on drafted Memorandums of Understandings (MOUs) on this initiative.
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Approved by Minister
Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, MP
Date: