Dr Josias leads a lifelong fight against sexual violence

A career spanning over three decades, Dr Genine Josias from Cape Town has become synonymous with the pursuit of justice for survivors of sexual violence. As she recounts her journey, it becomes evident that her story is not just a profession but a calling.

“I’ll be 60 this year,” she says matter-of-factly. “Do you actually want my whole work history? That can keep us here the whole day,” she cheekily remarks revealing the weight of her experience.

Specialising exclusively in survivors of sexual violence since 2004, her journey began with a realisation during medical school where she witnessed human rights violations committed by those entrusted to teach ethical standards.

“I just knew when I was at med school and when I started to work that there is something seriously wrong with the system,” she reflects.

Answering a calling

The turning point came in 2004 when Josias, a mother of two young children sought flexibility in her work hours. Frustrated by the lack of understanding from her facility manager, she sought a new path and found herself joining Doctor Without Borders, Médecins Sans Frontières, an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation. This humanitarian aid organisation was pioneering efforts to address the critical issue of sexual violence survivors not accessing life-saving post-exposure prophylaxis within the crucial 72-hour window.

This work then later led to the establishment of the Simelela Centre in Khayelitsha, Cape Town under Josias’ leadership. Named after the isiXhosa word for leaning on someone for support, the centre aims to provide comprehensive care for survivors.

“Survivors of sexual violence, particularly for me, were victimised even more by the department of health,” she says, emphasising the systemic challenges survivors face beyond their initial trauma.

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Reflecting on the obstacles, Josias highlights the pervasive entitlement and abuse within the medical field, stressing that survivors often face secondary victimisation when seeking help. Her dedication to breaking this cycle led to the Thuthuzela Centre, a one-stop facility for survivors where they could access all necessary services efficiently.

Fighting for worthy cause

Despite success, Josias acknowledges the dire state of South Africa’s current systems. “The safety nets for our children are dysfunctional. The services for survivors have gone down,” she adds, shedding light on the overwhelming challenges posed by understaffed and under-resourced systems.

In her tireless pursuit of justice Josias delves into the shortcomings of the criminal justice system.

“Our system is failing our survivors, our victims, and their families,” she declares.

The disappointment she feels is palpable as she recounts cases where positive DNA evidence fails to secure convictions, revealing deeper issues within the justice system.

As an advocate for change, she stresses the need for political will, awareness, and community engagement. “Civil society needs to continue to be active,” she urges, emphasising the power of collective action. She envisions a future where systems are not just reactive but actively work toward prevention, addressing root causes such as patriarchy, inequality, and social ills.

Despite the uphill battle, Josias remains resilient, urging society to rethink its approach to survivors. “We should be at the point where people do not get raped in the first place,” she asserts.

In the face of adversity, she exemplifies unwavering dedication to her cause. Driven by compassion and a deep-seated belief in justice, she continues to stand as a beacon of hope for survivors, tirelessly advocating for a system that truly supports and protects those who have already endured so much.