SADC ministers responsible for Gender and Women's Affairs have expressed concern over the persistently high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) across the region.

The latest midterm review of the SADC Gender-Based Violence Strategy identified fragmented implementation, limited institutional capacity and weak multisectoral coordination as major barriers to progress.

During a recent virtual meeting chaired by South Africa's Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the Presidency, Sindisiwe Chikunga, ministers called for stronger prevention strategies, improved data collection and better coordination across sectors.

Although SADC member states have made progress in strengthening institutional responses to gender-based violence, the ministers agree that greater investment in evidence-based prevention programs, supported by reliable data from GBV prevalence surveys, is needed.

Speaking to NBC News after the meeting, the Communications and Public Relations Officer at the SADC Secretariat, Anethe Mutambanengwe, said the discussions focused on key challenges affecting women and girls across the region.

"Ministers expressed concern over the continued high levels of gender-based violence across the region, the slow pace of women's representation in political leadership, and the need for stronger, gender-responsive policies, better data, and increased investment in programs that deliver meaningful change for women and girls."

Several policy decisions intended to strengthen implementation of regional gender commitments, including enhanced gender-responsive budgeting, improved gender data systems, increased women's participation in leadership, expanded economic empowerment programmes, and intensified action against GBV, were adopted.

The outcomes of the meeting will guide the implementation of the SADC Gender Programme during the 2026/2027 financial year and contribute to achieving the objectives of the RISDP 2020-2030 and SADC Vision 2050.