In August 2026, the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa (SAAPA SA) and the True Cost of Alcohol Campaign, participated in the National Women’s Parliament held at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The gathering brought together women leaders, parliamentarians, government representatives, researchers, civil society organisations and community advocates to reflect on South Africa’s progress towards gender equality and the urgent need to strengthen protections for women and children.
Held under the theme “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo: 70 Years of Resistance, 72 Years of Vision,” the 2026 Women’s Parliament marked 70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s March. Discussions focused on women’s constitutional rights, economic empowerment, gender-based violence and the need to translate commitments to equality into meaningful action.
As part of the programme, SAAPA SA convened a Women’s Parliament Dinner Dialogue and the launch of its Alcohol and Gender-Based Violence Study, bringing attention to the relationship between alcohol availability, harmful drinking environments and violence against women and children. The engagement highlighted the importance of recognising alcohol harm not only as a public health concern but also as an issue affecting gender justice, women’s safety and community wellbeing.
Developed in collaboration with the Wits School of Public Health, the study examined alcohol availability and gender-based violence across eight communities in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia. Its findings highlighted how high concentrations of alcohol outlets, extended trading hours and widespread unlicensed alcohol sales contribute to environments where women and children face increased risks of violence. The research also found that only 33% of identified alcohol outlets across the four countries appeared in official licensing records, raising significant concerns about regulatory oversight and enforcement.
The engagement reinforced the need for stronger liquor regulation, improved enforcement, restrictions on alcohol availability and marketing, and evidence-based taxation policies as part of a broader response to gender-based violence and femicide. It also created space for youth and community voices within national policy conversations, highlighting the importance of including those directly affected by alcohol harm in developing solutions.
Through its participation in Women’s Parliament and the study launch, the True Cost of Alcohol Campaign reaffirmed its commitment to advancing policies that place the safety, dignity and wellbeing of women and children at the centre of South Africa’s response to alcohol harm.
Watch: Voices from Women’s Parliament 2026
Following Women’s Parliament, the True Cost of Alcohol Campaign compiled a video reflecting on the engagement and the importance of addressing alcohol harm in efforts to protect women and build safer communities.
Women’s Parliament 2026: How SAAPA & True Cost of Alcohol Lead Policy Action
