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We are delighted to share with you the 1^st edition of Sonke’s quarterly newsletter highlighting key initiatives, milestones, and progress in our ongoing efforts to advocate for gender justice. This edition provides insights into our recent projects, impactful partnerships, and the strides in the first half of 2025.

As we reflect on the past months, we celebrate the dedication and collaboration that continue to drive meaningful change, from our appointment to the Mpumalanga GBV Council to participation at the CSW69 and publication of the State of SA's Fathers Report. We invite you to explore this edition, stay informed, and engage with our work.
Happy reading!


** SONKE NEWS & VIEWS
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Delegates at the Commission on Women


** 69th Commission on the Status of Women adopts a political declaration
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The 69th Commission on the Status of Women recently adopted a Political Declaration ([link removed]) amidst some pushback on gender rights, reaffirming global commitments to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Sonke participated in the forum through various side events, to review the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Read more ([link removed])
Project stakeholders pose in front of a banner for Sonke, Activate!, and Action Aid


** GenG Engage App: Empowering communities with a zero-rated app to end GBV
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In a bold and groundbreaking step towards ending gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, the Generation Gender programme launched a pioneering mobile application on 4th of April 2025. The innovative App is designed to empower individuals, connect survivors to critical services, and strengthen the national response to GBVF. The Generation G South African Coalition comprises three partner organisations, namely, Sonke Gender Justice, ACTIVATE! Change Drivers, and Action Aid South Africa.
Read more ([link removed])
Group ohoto of the members of Mpumalanga's GBVF council


** Sonke as Co-chairperson of the Mpumalanga GBVF Council
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Sonke has recently been appointed as the Co-chairperson of the Mpumalanga Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide. This appointment, led by Project Manager, Nomalanga Ngwenya, comes in the wake of our initiatives in the province addressing GBVF and promoting women’s leadership in decision making, funded by our partner Global Affairs Canada.
Read more ([link removed])
A group huddled in discussion at the training


** Reclaiming our narratives: Reproductive justice through an Afrocentric lens
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Sonke and MenEngage Africa, under the SRHR4All project, hosted a 5-day Reproductive Justice: Capacity Enhancement Programme, to advance sexual and reproductive health rights and gender equality from an Afrocentric lens in Kampala, Uganda. The training, which brought together partners from Malawi, Ethiopia and Uganda, empowered young advocates with strategies to advance human rights and SRHR through a reproductive justice framework, rooted in Afrocentric principles.
Read more ([link removed])


** Youth voices at the Africa Health Agenda International conference
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“I envision a future where young people are not just beneficiaries but are also key drivers of innovations in addressing health challenges”. This is according to Chimwemwe Chisale, Power to Youth Malawi’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and participant at the Africa Health Agenda International Conference. Young leaders met in Kigali, Rwanda in March, to rewrite the health narrative while proposing holistic solutions to health challenges on the continent.
Read more ([link removed])


** BLOGS AND OPINIONS
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** Traditional Leaders as actors in countering GBVF
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Stay updated with our latest blogs and opinion pieces ([link removed]) ! Engage on the conversation and share your thoughts on social media using #SonkeOpinions.


** Sonke receives Equivalency Validation approval
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We are thrilled to have been certified! The Equivalency Validation approval is a process used by U.S. grant makers, including private foundations and donor-advised funds, to confirm that a foreign organization qualifies as the equivalent of a U.S. public charity. This ensures compliance with IRS regulations and helps guarantee that funds are used for charitable purposes.
Read more ([link removed])


** DONOR CORNER
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Sonke extends sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands for its support of the Power to Youth programme. Implemented in partnership with Amref Flying Doctors and Rutgers, this strategic initiative employs intersectional approaches to amplify the voice and agency of adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, and Uganda.
Read more ([link removed])


** UPCOMING EVENTS
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Religion and fatherhood in South Africa webinar: Sharing and learning from the State of South Africa Fathers' report -- 16 April 2025
Learn more ([link removed])


** RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
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** State of South Africa’s Fathers 2024
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Have you checked our latest report on fatherhood and positive parenting?

Check the State South Africa's Fathers Report ([link removed]) and share widely with your networks.

READ HERE. ([link removed])

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** Power To Youth Uganda
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The Power To Youth Uganda expedition is out! Read the actions taken by young people in communities and get inspired by their stories of change.

READ HERE ([link removed])

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** Visual Storytelling
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Explore some of the photo collections from our work here ([link removed]) .

Contributors List: Editor – Kgomotso Mophulane, Writers – Eucharia Nkengafack, Amukelani Chauke, Mariley Liebenberg, 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]) .
Visit Sonke's website for more social justice news and views ([link removed])

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