As South Africa continues to confront the pervasive challenge of gender-based violence (GBV), strengthening accountability, justice, and systemic reform remains a national priority. From 7 to 9 August 2026, the University of the Free State (UFS), in partnership with the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ), will host the 2026 national conference in Bloemfontein under the theme, From Policy to Protection: Advancing Accountability, Justice, and Systemic Reform to End Gender-Based Violence in South Africa.

Bringing together members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, researchers, policymakers, civil society, and students, the conference will provide an important platform for evidence-based dialogue on strengthening accountability, justice, and systemic reform to better protect survivors of GBV.

Each year, members of the judiciary gather in a different province for the SAC-IAWJ annual conference. By rotating the host province, the conference strengthens engagement with communities across South Africa, making the judiciary more visible and accessible while fostering meaningful dialogue on issues affecting society. Hosting the conference at universities also creates opportunities for students and aspiring legal professionals to engage directly with members of the judiciary, helping to demystify the profession and demonstrate that judicial leadership is an achievable aspiration for future generations.

Turning policy into protection

South Africa's Constitution, legislative reforms, policy frameworks, and institutional interventions provide a strong foundation for protecting the rights of women and vulnerable persons. Yet the continued prevalence of gender-based violence highlights the gap between legal protections and the lived realities of many South Africans. Addressing this crisis requires sustained collaboration among the judiciary, academia, policymakers, legal practitioners, civil society, and communities.

The conference will provide a platform for critical dialogue and evidence-based engagement on the role of the law, justice systems, public policy, and institutional accountability in preventing and responding to GBV. Participants will explore innovative research, practical interventions, and collaborative approaches aimed at strengthening justice responses, informing policy reform, and advancing survivor-centred practices that promote dignity, equality, and protection.

As co-host of the conference, the UFS is proud to partner with the SAC-IAWJ in facilitating conversations that address one of the country's most urgent societal challenges, while creating opportunities for collaboration between the higher education sector, the judiciary, and other key stakeholders working to build a more just and equitable society.

Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State, says the partnership reflects the university's commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through research, collaboration, and engagement.

"Our commitment to contributing meaningfully to responsible societal futures means directing our knowledge, partnerships, and institutional resources towards society's most urgent challenges. Hosting this conference gives practical expression to that commitment." 

The conference also reinforces the university's role as a convener of conversations that connect research, policy, and practice to address pressing societal challenges.