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We are delighted to present the 3^rd edition of Sonke’s quarterly newsletter, showcasing our latest milestones and ongoing efforts in advancing gender justice.

We reflect with pride on the dedication and commitment of our team and partners in driving Sonke’s mission forward. This edition captures significant highlights of our work including Sonke’s leadership in advancing women’s rights and gender equality through the C20 working group, our participation as amicus curiae in the landmark case concerning the rights of sex workers in South Africa, and our exciting announcement as the convener of the African Regional Convening for Women Deliver 2026.

We also share insights from the Power to Youth global festival and other key engagements that strengthen our advocacy across the region.

Thank you for your continued support in advancing social justice.

Enjoy the read!


** SONKE NEWS & VIEWS
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** Sonke leads in advancing women and gender equality in C20 working group
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We are privileged to serve as lead facilitator of the Civil 20 working group on Women and Gender Equality through the Policy Development and Advocacy unit. The C20 is an official engagement group for civil society in the South African G20 presidency. Sonke’s task is to push back against the historic sidelining of gender equality in global economic governance and to make the case that justice for women and girls is not optional, it is foundational to sustainable progress
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** Advancing health and gender justice at the UCHD 2025 forum
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Sonke Gender Justice participated at the 2nd annual Uganda National Conference on Health, Human Rights and Development from the 3rd to the 5th of September 2025 in Kampala, under the theme “Right to Health: A vital component of achieving SDGs”. The conference was a landmark event that brought together policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to advance the right to health through dialogue on social determinants and cross-sector collaboration.
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** Power To Youth global festival insights
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Youth changemakers, partners and implementing country teams shared their lived experiences, innovative strategies and bold ideas for centring youth in programming and gender justice. This was during the Power to Youth global festival from 29th September to 3rd October in Mombasa, Kenya.
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** Cape High court witnesses Sonke’s call for action against GBV
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Over 800 community members and civil society organisations marched through Cape Town in July to protest gender-based violence and femicide. Led by Sonke Gender Justice in partnership with local organisations, the demonstration highlighted systemic failures in the justice system and called for the protection of women, children and survivors of violence.
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** Sonke as amici in landmark case of sex workers in South Africa
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Sonke, alongside the Treatment Action Campaign, represented by Section27, have been admitted as amici curiae, also known as friends of the court, on a landmark case of sex workers’ rights, by the Western Cape High Court. The application, filed by S.H and the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce, against the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and other parties, aims to decriminalise sex work in the country. The hearing is scheduled for the 18th to 20th of May 2026.
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** #GBVNotMyHeritage
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South Africa commemorated Heritage Month in September, celebrating the richness of cultural diversity among its people. While this was an opportunity to reflect on our roots and identities, we acknowledge that gender-based violence is not part of our heritage and we must keep raising our voices to end the vicious cycle. Watch the video below to learn more about the #GBVNotMyHeritage campaign.
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** DONOR CORNER
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We are grateful to the RES Foundation for its continued support in promoting youth empowerment and gender justice in Diepsloot township in Johannesburg. Through the Going for Goal project, Sonke uses the power of sport to prevent violence, curb substance abuse, while promoting positive parenting, child rights, and community resilience.
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** CAMPAIGNS AND CAUSES
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** The Inkanyezi project podcast series
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The podcast series explores the transformation of women’s leadership and the advancement of gender equality in South Africa. It also examines the project’s impact during implementation, unpacks different types of gender-based violence, and probes how the initiative challenges harmful social norms.
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** UPCOMING EVENTS
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** African regional convening towards Women Deliver 2026
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Sonke is excited to announce its role as the convener of the African Regional convening for Women Deliver in 2026. This gathering will unite diverse voices from across the continent to build a powerful, collective African agenda for SRHR and gender equality.
Register here ([link removed])


** RESOURCES
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** MenEngage Communications Strategy
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The MenEngage Africa communications strategy offers a practical approach to use communications for gender transformation. Read more and discover great ways of mainstreaming communications as a tool for showcasing your work in advancing human rights.

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** Best practices for feminist youth advocacy and policy change
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This resource document provides insights on meaningfully engaging young people in advocacy and policy change processes while sharing good practices from the Generation Gender Programme.

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** Inkanyezi project booklet
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The Inkanyezi project empowers women leaders in political, traditional, and religious spaces to influence decision-making, challenge harmful social norms, and strengthen pathways to justice. Read more about the project and gain insights on feminist transformative leadership.

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Editor – Kgomotso Mophulane. Writers – Eucharia Nkengafack, Lizhan Brown, Mariley Liebenberg, 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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