CEOs unite to Lead the Charge Against Gender-Based Violence and Inequality at the CEO Connect Forum

Johannesburg, 31 March 2025 -  — 31 March 2025. in commemoration of International Women’s Month, corporate leaders took a stand against gender-based violence (GBV) and gender inequality at the CEO Connect Forum, co-hosted by KPMG and Shared Value Africa (SVA) at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

As gender-based violence (GBV) and gender inequality continue to undermine economic progress and social cohesion, leading corporations came together to act. This high impact gathering, themed “Accelerate Action: Urgency and Unity for Gender Equality,” mobilised top corporate leaders to confront GBV and promote gender equality in the workplace and beyond.

According to the previous Costly Impact of GBV report, South Africa’s GBV crisis remains a staggering challenge. The country’s femicide rate is five times the global average. Beyond the human toll, GBV has significant economic implications, costing the country in excess of 36 billion annually due to absenteeism, lost productivity, and healthcare expenses.

Despite increased awareness, a previous KPMG pilot study (2023) highlighted critical gaps in corporate response—revealing that 78% of South African companies lack GBV awareness training, while 94% do not have adequate workplace policies to address the issue.

The CEO Connect Forum aims to drive meaningful change by mobilizing corporate leaders to take decisive action in tackling GBV within the workplace and beyond.

The CEO Connect Forum also set the stage for the imminent official launch of the End GBV Alliance in May 2025 - a collective of leading corporations committed to sustained action against gender inequality and workplace GBV.

“This forum was about more than just dialogue. It’s about accountability, partnership, and real change. If we are serious about economic progress, we must be serious about gender equality,” states Joy Ruwodo, Head of the Gender Equality Unit at SVA.

Join the Movement

The CEO Connect Forum brings together senior executives dedicated to driving meaningful change. This event fosters collaboration, encouraging business leaders to stay engaged and play an active role in shaping a gender-equal, violence-free future.

About the Shared Value Africa Gender Equality Unit

The Shared Value Africa Gender Equality Unit (GEU) is a pan-African initiative dedicated to advancing gender equality and addressing gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the workplace and society at large. Recognising the far-reaching impact of systemic inequality, workplace harassment, and domestic violence on individuals' well-being and economic stability, the GEU drives systemic change and positive social impact by equipping public and private sector organisations with the strategies, education, and tools needed to create safe, inclusive, and equitable environments.

Through advocacy, research, training, and strategic consulting, the GEU provides comprehensive, research-backed solutions that help businesses foster gender equality and a thriving workplace culture across Africa.