Quantify economic impact
A consistent national figure, revised annually.
Research & Index
What we do not measure, we struggle to change.
The initiative intends to establish a recurring GBV Socio-Economic Impact Index for South Africa: a consistent, published method for measuring economic and workplace impact.
Why an index
Measuring what estimates can only suggest
Existing figures are useful but inconsistent, dated and difficult to compare. An index built on a published method allows employers, departments and funders to be held to something specific.
Research collaboration has been discussed with organisations such as Ask Africa. No contractual research partnership is confirmed, and the index methodology is still in development.
Current evidence base
The figures the Imbizo starts from
Each statistic is labelled by how it should be interpreted. Published sources are linked where verified; the remaining references are still under review, and none are formal findings.
Estimated
US$1.5tn
Estimated annual global cost of violence against women.
Estimated
1.2–3.7%
World Bank estimates that lost productivity from intimate partner violence costs between 1.2% and 3.7% of GDP in some countries; this is not an Africa-wide estimate.
Historic estimates
R28.4–42.4bn
KPMG estimated a minimum annual cost for 2012/13, noting substantial data gaps and the need for further research.
Project research references
30–50%
Project research references potential productivity losses associated with workplace bullying and harassment.
ILO global survey
~50%
The ILO global survey found only about half of victims worldwide had disclosed their experience to someone else.
ILO global survey
22.8%
Experienced violence or harassment at work during their working life; 17.9% experienced psychological violence or harassment.
Project research references
R1.65bn
Referenced within project materials as an indicative commitment.
Project research references
R1.6bn
Government allocated R1.6bn to GBVF-related activities in the SAPS 2026/27 budget, with a further R50m for provincial baselines.
Index objectives
What the index aims to do
Measure workplace effects
Absenteeism, productivity, turnover and wellness costs.
Establish benchmarks
Comparable measures across sectors and employer size.
Track progress over time
A recurring index rather than a once-off report.
Identify sector differences
Where impact concentrates and why.
Inform corporate policy
Evidence HR, ESG and risk teams can act on.
Support government planning
Inputs for budgeting and service design.
Guide funding
Direction for CSI, donor and DFI allocation.
Improve accountability
Published measures that can be returned to.
Method
How the index is intended to work
- Step 1
Scope
Define indicators across economy, workplace and public services.
- Step 2
Instrument
Design employer, household and institutional data instruments.
- Step 3
Collect
Gather data through research partners and participating employers.
- Step 4
Validate
Peer and technical review before any figure is published.
- Step 5
Publish
Release the index with sources attached to every statistic.
- Step 6
Repeat
Re-run on a fixed cycle so change becomes visible.
Contribute research, data or a workplace dataset
Universities, research institutions, economists and employers can contribute abstracts, methodology input or participation in data collection.
Why the economic lens matters
Turning research into decisions.
When the cost of GBV is measured, it can be budgeted for, managed and reduced. Research is the bridge between concern and action.
Makes the cost visible
Quantifying lost productivity, health spending and justice costs gives decision-makers a case they can act on.
Shows what works
Evaluation evidence helps funders and employers back interventions with proven results.
Informs policy
Findings shared at the Imbizo can feed into national and workplace policy discussions.
Step by step
How to submit research
- 1
Prepare a summary
Outline your question, method, key findings and their relevance to GBV's economic impact.
- 2
Submit online
Use the research submission form in the submissions portal and attach supporting files.
- 3
Review
The organising team reviews submissions and will contact you about next steps.
Questions
Good to know
8–10 December 2026 · @Sandton Hotel, Johannesburg
Be in the room where action is agreed.
Held during the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence