Insight-led action. Beyond numbers to measurable impact.
8–10 December 2026 · Birchwood Hotel, Johannesburg
GBV Socio-Economic Imbizo 2026
Insight-led action. Beyond numbers to measurable impact.
The cost of inaction
Figures below are drawn from project materials and published estimates. They are indicative, not settled conclusions, and sources are attached to each statistic as they are formally cited.
Estimated
US$1.5tn
Estimated annual global cost, approximately 2% of global GDP.
Estimated
1.2–3.7%
Estimated economic impact across Africa, referenced in project materials as US$42.72 billion to US$131.72 billion.
Historic estimates
R28.4–42.4bn
Historic estimates of the annual economic cost of GBV in South Africa.
Project research references
30–50%
Project research references potential productivity losses associated with workplace bullying and harassment.
Estimated
71%
An estimated share of workplace bullying that may go unreported.
Research indicates
22.8%
ILO-related research referenced within project materials. A further 17.9% experience psychological harassment.
Project research references
R1.65bn
Referenced within project materials as an indicative commitment.
Project research references
R1.6bn
Referenced within project materials as an indicative allocation.
Wording is deliberate. Where a figure is an estimate, it is described as one. The proposed GBV Socio-Economic Impact Index exists to replace estimates with measurement.
Why this Imbizo matters
Gender-based violence does not stop at the individual. Its effects travel outward through households, employers, communities, public services and national accounts.
Health, safety, income, confidence and the ability to participate in work and study.
Absenteeism, presenteeism, staff turnover, wellness costs and lost productivity.
Performance, culture, compliance obligations, reputational risk and ESG reporting.
Stability, local enterprise, school attendance and social cohesion.
Policing, courts, health facilities, social development and support services.
GDP, women's economic participation, human capital and government expenditure.
The initiative
The Imbizo is the flagship moment. The initiative continues before and after the three days at Birchwood.
A major cross-sector convening of government, business, labour, research, civil society and development partners.
Recognition of organisations and individuals demonstrating measurable, sustainable impact in addressing GBV.
A platform to showcase interventions, programmes, products, technology, services, research and workplace tools.
The initiative intends to establish a recurring GBV Socio-Economic Impact Index for South Africa.
A planned technology layer for enquiry support, resource navigation and aggregated insight.
The Imbizo culminates in practical commitments feeding a longer-term action programme.
Award categories, index methodology, AI capabilities and Road to 2027 engagements are proposed or in development. Nothing on this page should be read as confirmed until it is formally approved and published as such.
Programme
Day 1 · 8 December 2026
Establishing the evidence base: what GBV costs South Africa's economy, workplaces and public services.
Day 2 · 9 December 2026
Moving from policy to practice across the justice system, employers, labour and funders.
Evening: GBV Impact Awards Gala Dinner
Day 3 · 10 December 2026
Converting three days of evidence and dialogue into commitments that can be measured.
Session times and speakers are not yet confirmed and will be published once approved.
Research & Index
The initiative intends to establish a recurring GBV Socio-Economic Impact Index: a consistent method for quantifying economic and workplace impact in South Africa, sector by sector, year on year.
Participation
Every path below feeds the same stakeholder record, so an organisation can attend, contribute, exhibit and partner without repeating itself.
Register as a delegate for one, two or all three days of the Imbizo.
Register as a DelegateSubmit research, an abstract, a case study or a speaker application.
Submit a Case StudySponsor the Imbizo or join as a strategic partner across the initiative.
Partner With UsShowcase services, products, programmes, research or innovation.
Exhibitor ApplicationNominate an individual or organisation for the GBV Impact Awards.
Nominate for an Award
GBV Impact Awards
The GBV Impact Awards recognise organisations and individuals whose work can be evidenced: outcomes reported, beneficiaries reached, policies implemented and change sustained. The Awards Gala Dinner takes place on the evening of Day 2.
Award categories are indicative and not yet final. No recipients, finalists or honorary recognitions are confirmed.
Partners
Several national organisations have been referenced in project planning. None appear here as confirmed partners until formal approval is in place. Partner records carry a status, and only appropriate confirmed statuses display publicly.
Road to 2027
The Imbizo is a step in a longer sequence. Each stage has an owner, an output and something that can be measured.
Establish the evidence base and the socio-economic index method.
Convene government, business, labour, research and civil society.
Capture a Stakeholder Commitment Pledge with named owners.
Track progress against agreed benchmarks and reporting cycles.
Publish a proposed 2027–2030 Action Framework.
Continued engagement, including proposed Road to SONA 2027 dialogue.
The proposed Road to SONA 2027 engagement is not an official Presidency event.