Femicide in South Africa

by Nechama Brodie

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and a femicide rate that is more than five times the world average.

In this book, Dr Nechama Brodie looks at the story of femicide in South Africa over the past forty years. She interrogates police, public health and media data, exploring the history of violence against women in an entirely new way that contextualises and challenges the state and public response to what has, in reality, been a crisis for decades.

Genres: Nonfiction

244 pages, Paperback

Published June 26, 2020

About the author

Also writes as NR Brodie.

South African journalist, author and academic.

Reviews

[Shen Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all South Africans. Particularly South African men.

I sought out a comprehensive text on Gender Based Violence and found this title recommended online. I have to say it doesn't disappoint. Brodie provides a deeply researched, academic-yet-personal, look at femicide in South Africa. A book that combines the statistical, historical and socio-political lenses in which to view this pandemic while remaining unapologetic and providing concrete solutions for the way forward. This was the only physical book I've read this year and found myself underlining and re-reading passages on almost every page. I'm left better informed, with a broader understanding of the problem thanks to her accessible language, presentation of information and truly South African way of speaking the truth. It is a reference l will keep close at hand, and everyone can expect gifted copies from me at every opportunity. Truly brilliant and the best place to start if you want to be part of saving women's lives. Thank you Nechama Brodie.

[Tegan Snyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love reading books written by academics because the quality of the writing and the presentation of arguments are always just so well done. I read this book really quickly. It’s obviously difficult content, but very timely and urgent work. I appreciated her organisation of the issues (first half dealing with intimate partner violence, then with more so stranger encounters and lastly the role of the media). For anyone who read “Rape: A South African Nightmare” by Pumla Dineo Gqola (which by the way, everyone should read!), this is something I would recommend thereafter.

[Jen Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting read that explores the way we talk about women who have been murdered, the way that media reporting can skew our understanding of these crimes, and what we need to do about it.

Though the content is difficult, Brodie managed to produce a book that leaves you interested and hopeful about how things can change.

[Sam Beckbessinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real-life horror story. Impeccably researched, comprehensive and insightful.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down despite the hard-to-read subject matter. This is an excellent read.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult, depressing but necessary read.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightfull statistics.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent examination of femicide in South Africa. Digs deep into the data and necessary steps for solutions.

[Yolandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow in 2023

[Nelufa Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, better suited for an academic as this is more of a reference book with statistics etc.