The role of transitional justice in fostering gender justice for victims of gender-based violence in South Africa

Abstract

Over the past few decades, various models of transitional justice have emerged across Africa to address the egregious human rights abuses that have occurred during conflicts. However, existing literature on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and reparations often overlooks the incorporation of gender justice in the mechanisms. Henceforth, this study scrutinizes the efficacy of transitional justice in promoting gender justice for women victims of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. It posits that the TRC's approach to addressing gender-based violence that transpired amid apartheid has a significant bearing on contemporary rates of such violence. An investigation thereto is done through the qualitative research method for purposes of collecting existing information. By adopting this methodology, the study will further unveil the limitations of transitional justice and the intrinsic factors of GBV, Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and Violence Against Women (VAW) in South Africa.