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Seasons’ greetings readers!

We are pleased to present the 4th and final edition of Sonke’s quarterly Newsletter for 2025, reflecting on our key achievements and work that closed off our year of advocacy for gender justice.

As we conclude this cycle, we acknowledge the dedication of our teams and partners who promoted Sonke’s mission across communities, national platforms, and regional spaces. This edition features major moments from the past quarter, including our leadership in the G20 summit, campaigning on the decriminalisation of Sex Work in South Africa and our regional engagements. Be sure to also explore the Annual Report for a summary of our activities during the 2024/25 financial year.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and best wishes for the new year!
Enjoy the read.


** SONKE NEWS & VIEWS
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** Bawa village marks 16 Days of Activism with Sonke
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Through the Inkanyezi project, Sonke partnered with traditional leaders, government, civil society and the Mnquma local municipality in the Eastern Cape, to strengthen efforts to end violence against women and children. The campaign was launched in Bawa village, a community grappling with high levels of GBVF, including a recent tragic rape and murder of an elderly woman, highlighting the need for community engagements.

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** Sonke at the G20 Social Summit
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As lead of the Civil 20 Working Group on Women and Gender Equality, we fulfilled our mandate to confront the historic marginalisation of gender equality in global economic governance and to emphasize that advancing the rights of women and girls is essential for sustainable, inclusive development. This was through various engagements during the G20 social summit which took place in November in Johannesburg.
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** Youth call for reforms ahead of Women Deliver 2026
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Last month Nairobi, Kenya came alive as youth advocates, policymakers, and grassroots movements gathered to demand stronger action on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights across Africa. Hosted by Sonke and partners, the convening reflected on the shrinking civic space, funding pressures, and the growing anti-rights agendas.
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** Inaugural Boys’ Parliament launched
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Sonke participated in the launch of the National Boys Parliament in October at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town. Led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, patron of the South African National AIDS Council, the forum brought together boys, government leaders, and civil society organizations, to engage on programs and campaigns promoting accountability and positive masculinities.
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** Every survivor’s voice brings us closer to a world free from GBV
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Keeping survivor voices at the centre is key to ensuring policies and programmes lead to measurable outcomes. This was highlighted at a meeting convened by Sonke as Co-chair of the Mpumalanga Provincial GBVF Council in November. The gathering brought together government, civil society, traditional leaders, and community members to review progress and adopt strategic measures against GBVF.
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** DONOR CORNER
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Sonke warmly acknowledges Global Affairs Canada for its partnership in advancing gender equality and strengthening feminist leadership across South Africa through the Inkanyezi project. Even in its inception and early implementation phase, Inkanyezi has laid a powerful foundation for long-term, community-driven transformation in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces.
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** CAMPAIGNS AND CAUSES
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** Decriminalisation of Sex Work
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Decriminalising Sex Work in South Africa is not only a matter of justice but a step toward protecting human rights, reducing GBV and ensuring that sex workers can access health and safety services without fear or stigma. This campaign dispels common myths and misconceptions about Sex Work.
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** Amathole water crisis Docu-series
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As a friend of the court in the case, we highlight the need for the Amathole district municipality to provide safe and sufficient water to the Khomkulu-Toboyi, Merilis, and Kunene villages. This docu-series explores the human impact of the #AmatholeWaterCrisis ([link removed]) and the fight for constitutional water rights.
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** RESOURCES
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** Sonke 2024/5 Annual Report
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This report provides an overview of our work and impact during the 2024/25 financial year, showcasing the progress made and the partnerships that strengthened our efforts to promote gender justice.


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Editor – Kgomotso Mophulane. Writers – Eucharia Nkengafack, Alexandreo Talbot and Amukelani Chauke. Design & Layout – ALT Advisory ([link removed])
Sonke does not tolerate sexual harassment, bullying, abuse or any other forms of harassment. To report an incident of sexual harassment, bullying, abuse or any other form of harassment experienced, seen or heard about, or an incident of fraud, corruption or bribery: CALL the toll-free whistle-blower hotline: 0800 333 059, or SMS: 33490, or email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
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