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Welcome to The Sonke Brief’s special 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign edition. We aim to raise awareness on the pervasive nature of GBVF and encourage joint action. In this newsletter, you will find though-provoking articles, explainers and press statements on cross-cutting themes around GBVF. Enjoy the read and be inspired to take action for the prevention of GBVF!
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Sonke on the 16 Days of Activism campaign.....
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“We endeavour to make our contribution through engagements with communities and partner organisations in efforts to contribute to the success of the noble campaign that seeks to end all forms of violence against women, children and the LGBTQIA+ community” - Bafana Khumalo, Sonke Gender Justice’s Co-Executive Director. Read More
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51% of women in SA experience GBV
73% of women survived TFGBV
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85,000 women globally, killed in 2023
80% women displaced by climate crisis
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Spike in South Africa’s violence cases requires urgent action
Recent reports on crime statistics in South Africa have highlighted increased violence against women, notably rising femicides , the most dangerous form of violence against women and severe physical harm with intent of murder. This correlation with global data on rising femicides ignites a clarion call to action for justice against these crimes. Sonke Gender Justice remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders in holding perpetrators accountable and addressing the root causes of these impediments. Read More.
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What you need to know about GBV
Gender-based violence constitutes one of the most prevalent forms of violence. Awareness about its forms and types is imperative for the purposes of senistisation, helping people make more informed descisions as well as guide on the kind of support to provide depending on the form(s) of violence experienced. Did you know that GBV manifests in different forms? Have you found possible support that can be offered to survivors of GBV? Find the answers here.
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Engaging youth as advocates against GBV
“Engaging youths as advocates against GBV is important because young people can effectively reach and influence their peers through information sharing and awareness raising about the prevention of GBV among fellow youth. Additionally, young people are more willing to hear information from their peers, making them critical agents of change in the fight against GBV,’’ Chisomo Banda, PowerToYouth, Malawi. Just like Chisomo, Sonke believes in young people as leaders and agents of change in communities. While acknowledging their ability to engage in multi-dimensional and innovative ways of igniting change, they give assurance of sustainability to the cause for gender justice. Sonke engages youths through the MenEngage Africa youth wing, and other programs like Generation Gender and PowerToYouth. Dive deeper
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Sonke Gender Justice, Men Engage Africa combatting GBV through intersectional approaches
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The prevalence of gender-based violence is persistent and requires the use of intersectional approaches in addressing its root causes. Gender transformative programming seeks to change harmful practices and check unequal power relations while emphasising the respect for human rights and empowerment of women. Feminist principles serve as a push towards accountability and transparency. Sonke Gender Justice and MenEngage Africa focus on using these approaches to question systemic barriers, hold leaders accountable and interrogate stereotypes to foster gender justice. To better understand the use of these intersectional approaches, continue reading.
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Speaking up, seeking support: The survivor’s healing journey
“I will always be grateful to Sonke programs for helping me realise that I was in an abusive relationship, now I am free. I encourage all women to leave toxic relationships, do not be afraid,” GBV Survivor. Gender -based violence has severe negative impact on survivors. While we continuously call for united action to end this malice, there is urgent need to engage in survivor-centred care and support. Click for insights.
The gendered dimension of Climate Change
Gender inequality, violence against women and other minority groups is likely to increase amidst climate crisis. While women remain climate conservators, they face multiple discrimination during climate change such as less access to resources, low levels of education and limited access and restriction from land ownership. Details here.
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#GBV: Not Our Heritage
For us to achieve milestone success in addressing GBVF, there must be a strong sense of collective responsibility that refuses to normalise GBV as part of our heritage. This goes hand in hand with accountability that involves religious and cultural leaders. Keep reading.
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Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: The new normal?
The uprising of digital technology is a blessing in disguise. While activists around the world are working relentlessly to end gender -based violence, digital technology has become a breeding ground for new forms of violence. Digital platforms are also being used to escalate traditional forms of violence. While these happens in various ways through the features of ever-updating apps, survivors find difficulty in identifying and reporting TFGBV. Read further.
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South Africa’s gender equality struggles, 30 years on
“South Africa ranks the highest of the countries surveyed with respect to the rate of female participation in political decision-making, low rates of child marriage, and completion rates of girls in primary and secondary education’’ however, of the countries surveyed, it has the “highest rate of unemployed women and women not in the workforce,’’ Gender Power in Africa Study. Read more.
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• Watch GBV Prevention Videos
• Check out our 2023/2024 annual report
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