The South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), in partnership with the University of the Free State (UFS), will host a national conference from 7–9 August 2026 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, under the theme: “From Policy to Protection: Advancing Accountability, Justice, and Systemic Reform to End Gender-Based Violence in South Africa.”

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most urgent human rights and social justice challenges confronting South Africa and the broader African continent. Despite significant constitutional protections, legislative reforms, policy frameworks, and institutional interventions, the prevalence of violence against women and vulnerable persons continues to expose critical gaps between legal commitments and lived realities. Addressing this crisis requires sustained collaboration among the judiciary, academia, policymakers, legal practitioners, civil society, and communities to advance meaningful and lasting change.

This conference seeks to create a platform for critical dialogue, scholarly engagement, and evidence-based reflection on the role of law, justice systems, public policy, and institutional accountability in preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Through interdisciplinary exchange and the sharing of innovative research and practice, the conference aims to contribute to strengthening justice responses, informing policy reform, and advancing survivor-centred approaches that promote dignity, equality, and protection.

The organisers invite submissions from scholars, judges, legal practitioners, policymakers, postgraduate students, researchers, and civil society actors whose work contributes to a deeper understanding of gender-based violence and the development of effective strategies for prevention, accountability, and systemic reform.

 Click here to view the Call for Papers.