Bawa village marks 16 Days of Activism with Sonke

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.
 

Sonke at the G20 Social Summit  

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.

Youth call for reforms ahead of Women Deliver 2026  

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.  

Inaugural Boys’ Parliament launched

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. 

Every survivor’s voice brings us closer to a world free from GBV  

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. 

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.  

Decriminalisation of Sex Work

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. 

Amathole water crisis Docu-series  

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 and the fight for constitutional water rights.