COVID 19 has presented new challenges to all of us. In the recent past we have had to learn very fast, new ways of doing our work in the context of the ‘new normal’. We have embraced these challenges and have developed new modes of operation that ensure that we are able to achieve our goals without exposing both our staff and partners to any COVID-related risks. Despite these challenges we are excited to share our latest newsletter with you. 
 

To our donors and partners, Sonke Gender Justice would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your unwavering support. 
 

It has been a challenging period, filled with loss, uncertainty and adjustments as the world came to grips with the challenges that came with the novel COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this your belief in our organisation and the important work that we do did not waiver. Our successes as an organization would not have been possible if it were not for your support.

We are deeply concerned by the senseless police brutality and state-sanctioned violence in eSwatini. The eSwatini government’s violent response to peaceful pro-democracy protests poses a threat to the fundamental right to life and infringes on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly enshrined in Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – to which Swaziland is a signatory.

The use of brutal force against peaceful protestors has become part of the fabric of the African political realm. Both in the past and present, many African governments have resorted to the use of violence to discourage citizens from seeking political reform and stable democracies.

The Kingdom of eSwatini is a member of the United Nations and the African Union. It has ratified numerous UN Human Rights Conventions thereby making binding international commitments to adhere to the standards laid down in these documents. Therefore, it is prudent that African leaders take a clear stance on this human rights violation and ensure that the eSwatini government refrains from the use of excessive force against protestors and hold it accountable for the brazen violation of human rights... [READ MORE]

Since its adoption in 2003, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, known as the Maputo Protocol, has contributed in shifting the trajectory on the promotion and protection of woman’s rights in Africa.

Despite its progressive protections, to date, only 42 countries have signed and ratified the Maputo Protocol. Of those 42, fewer still have taken the necessary steps to align their legal frameworks, policies and budgetary commitments to the Articles of the Protocol... [READ MORE]

Sonke Gender Justice values and respects your privacy and would like to assure you that we are committed to keeping your personal information secure and confidential. With the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) coming into effect from July 1, 2021, we want to ensure that we have your consent to keep sending through communication to you. The POPI Act gives effect to the constitutional right to privacy, regulates the way personal information may be processed and provides rights and remedies to protect personal information... [READ MORE]

Sonke has been following guidance from our government and the WHO by adhering to the COVID-19 precautionary measures, including mandatory working from home across the organization.

We apologise upfront for any delays in responding to your emails as we at Sonke are committed to the wellbeing of our staff and fully understand their responsibilities in terms of child care and caring for vulnerable family members and family members affected by Covid-19.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]. Sonke does not tolerate sexual harassment, bullying, abuse or any other forms of harassment.