Page 77 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Gender and Health
Research Unit

Unit director:
Prof. Nwabisa Shai
nwabisa.shai@mrc.ac.za

Advancing Research Priorities: 1st year of COVID-19 pandemic, with accompanying
Strategic Objectives and Impact alcohol restrictions, provided an opportunity to
understand the role of alcohol on femicide. We
The Gender and Health Research Unit (GHRU) found alcohol was a definitive risk factor for femicide
advances the health and well-being of women, with restrictions on alcohol sales periods associated
children, and marginalised populations through with a decrease in intimate partner femicide. A
research addressing gender inequalities and study on young couples in informal settlements
violence. We conduct innovative studies to also confirmed alcohol's impact on IPV, through
understand trends, drivers, and health impacts of
gender-based violence, and develop strategies for disinhibition, economic stress, and infidelity. The
prevention and response that influence policy and 3rd global review of men's alcohol consumption
practice locally and globally. underscored harmful effects on women, including
violence and mental health issues.
We completed the 4th national Femicide study,
which examined femicide trends during the first year Our research on integrating mental health in violence
of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on alcohol. prevention resulted in the completion of two pilot
The findings were shared at a hybrid stakeholder studies. Ntombi Vimbela SAMRC flagship project
forum in October 2024. The research received tested two intervention manuals co-developed with
widespread media coverage and contributed to the university students. The interventions addressed
UN's annual report on gender-related killings. sexual violence and mental health, and were well-
received, demonstrating their relevance and
The Unit also completed the Siyaphambili Youth acceptability. We also completed RICE 2 feasibility
Project, co-developing with young participants from study, adapting two WHO interventions: Self-Help
marginalised communities the Stepping Stones and Plus and Problem Management Plus to address
Creating Futures Plus (SSCF+) intervention designed the mental health effects of rape and to strengthen
to address intimate partner violence among youth effective coping strategies among women who had
in urban informal settlements. The pilot evaluation experienced violence.
showed promising results in reducing IPV and
livelihoods among men, and in improving the mental Our disability and GBV research team secured a
health and livelihoods of women. UKRI-funded grant to explore the experiences of
gender-based violence (GBV) among women with
Key Milestones and Achievements disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal, in collaboration with

The Unit achieved significant milestones in advancing Stellenbosch and Leeds universities. Women with
knowledge on the role of alcohol on violence disabilities will participate as co-researchers and the
and, development of prevention interventions. study will use art-based methods to critically advance
We published three key studies linking alcohol our understanding of GBV among marginalised
consumption to violence against women and girls. groups.

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