Western Cape Network on Violence Against Women (WCNOVAW)

About WCNOVAW

The Western Cape Network on Violence Against Women (WCNOVAW) was first established in the late 1980s to enable organisations working in the field of violence against women to communicate more openly and share information. At that time, South African NGOs were operating under deeply oppressive political circumstances, and the Network represented a departure from the secrecy and information-withholding that had characterised civil society work. By 1996, the Network recognised it needed formal structures. In early 1998, a Provincial Co-ordinator position and office were established, enabling more coherent support to member organisations.

WCNOVAW's mission is to become a strong united front representing all those who want to end violence against women — challenging and changing the beliefs, policies, and practices that oppress women; linking and coordinating the efforts of organisations working on violence against women; and lobbying for women's rights, equality, and justice.

What WCNOVAW Does

Coordination and Networking — WCNOVAW convenes focus groups around shared areas of interest: research, counselling, monitoring of the Domestic Violence Act, shelter standards, and comfort/trauma room provision. These gatherings enable member organisations to share practice, identify gaps, and coordinate responses.

Advocacy and Representation — WCNOVAW represents the GBV sector on the Provincial Victim Empowerment Forum, the Gender Partnership, the Treatment of Survivors Task Group, and the Sexual Harassment Task Group. They have been a partner in the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children and a co-coordinator of the Intersect Campaign.

Provincial Reach — WCNOVAW is explicitly committed to ensuring that organisations outside Cape Town's metropolitan core — including rural and peri-urban organisations across the Western Cape — are not disadvantaged in terms of access to network resources. This means the coordinator travels regularly around the province to maintain contact and communication with diverse members.

Legislative Engagement — WCNOVAW actively engages with legislation affecting women's rights and the GBV response system, including the Sexual Offences Act, Domestic Violence Act, and related policy frameworks.

Scope Note

WCNOVAW does not provide direct services to survivors. They are a coordination, advocacy, and capacity-building body for member organisations. Survivors seeking direct support should contact member organisations directly.