Posted:
by QW+ staff writer
Expert Profile: Caroline Peters
Caroline Peters is a seasoned African feminist, activist, and human rights defender with over three decades of experience combating gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. She is the Founder and Director of the Callas Foundation, based on the Cape Flats, which supports survivors of violence through court accompaniment, psychosocial services, community kitchens, and educational empowerment programs. Caroline began her advocacy as a rape crisis volunteer in the early 1990s and has since played a pivotal role in shaping national legislation, including the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Bill.
“Sexual violence steals more than just a moment – it robs women and girls of safety, trust and often their voices. It echoes through their families, communities and generations. Our collective responsibility is not only to hold perpetrators accountable but to create a society where dignity is non-negotiable and healing is possible”
She currently holds multiple leadership positions, including:
- Chairperson of the GBV Committee of the South African Women Lawyers Association (SAWLA) – Western Cape,
- Chairperson of the Board of the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture,
- Provincial Coordinator of SA Women in Dialogue (SAWID) – Western Cape,
- Chairperson of MenEngage South Africa, and
- GBV and Human Rights Monitor for the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).