Exploring the socio-economic drivers of gender-based- violence: a closer look at community dynamics as social determinants of health in Rural Limpopo Province of South Africa
1
Department of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Limpopo, South Africa, Polokwane, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Globally, gender-based violence (GBV) is a major threat to public health that exposes unbalanced gender relations in societies. GBV is a grave infringement of human rights that has a substantial impact on the socioeconomic and developmental outcomes of survivors, their families, communities, and society. The study explored the socio-economic drivers and dynamics of gender-based violence in a rural community in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
METHODS:
Using a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 participants selected using purposeful sampling. The data was analysed using Tech’s open coding method.
RESULTS:
Four major themes emerged: (a) Subjugation of genders and power dynamics within the society, (b) Drugs and alcohol abuse as a catalyst of GBV (c) Alcohol-centred socialisation and its consequences on youth well-being and (d) Financial exploitation and economic vulnerability as drivers of GBV. These findings emphasise that GBV is driven by intertwined social, cultural, economic, and systemic factors. Deeply rooted gender norms, societal expectations, and historical trauma from apartheid reinforce power imbalances, perpetuate violence, and foster mistrust of institutions. Substance abuse, particularly alcohol-centred socialisation, emerged as a key catalyst, while cultural beliefs discouraging male vulnerability perpetuate harmful coping strategies and silence victims. Economic dependence and financial exploitation further entrench abuse.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study underscores the need for multi-faceted interventions, including social, cultural, and economic reforms, improved substance regulation, and expanded employment op¬portunities, particularly for marginalised groups. Effective strategies require collaboration among stakeholders, community programs challenging harmful gender norms, and holistic policies that integrate social, cultural, economic, and systemic approaches. Strengthening responsive and accessible support services can rebuild trust, encourage reporting, and foster resilience. These insights can inform public health policies and interventions aimed at addressing social determinants of health and promoting equitable and safe communities in rural Limpopo.
Globally, gender-based violence (GBV) is a major threat to public health that exposes unbalanced gender relations in societies. GBV is a grave infringement of human rights that has a substantial impact on the socioeconomic and developmental outcomes of survivors, their families, communities, and society. The study explored the socio-economic drivers and dynamics of gender-based violence in a rural community in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
METHODS:
Using a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 participants selected using purposeful sampling. The data was analysed using Tech’s open coding method.
RESULTS:
Four major themes emerged: (a) Subjugation of genders and power dynamics within the society, (b) Drugs and alcohol abuse as a catalyst of GBV (c) Alcohol-centred socialisation and its consequences on youth well-being and (d) Financial exploitation and economic vulnerability as drivers of GBV. These findings emphasise that GBV is driven by intertwined social, cultural, economic, and systemic factors. Deeply rooted gender norms, societal expectations, and historical trauma from apartheid reinforce power imbalances, perpetuate violence, and foster mistrust of institutions. Substance abuse, particularly alcohol-centred socialisation, emerged as a key catalyst, while cultural beliefs discouraging male vulnerability perpetuate harmful coping strategies and silence victims. Economic dependence and financial exploitation further entrench abuse.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study underscores the need for multi-faceted interventions, including social, cultural, and economic reforms, improved substance regulation, and expanded employment op¬portunities, particularly for marginalised groups. Effective strategies require collaboration among stakeholders, community programs challenging harmful gender norms, and holistic policies that integrate social, cultural, economic, and systemic approaches. Strengthening responsive and accessible support services can rebuild trust, encourage reporting, and foster resilience. These insights can inform public health policies and interventions aimed at addressing social determinants of health and promoting equitable and safe communities in rural Limpopo.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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