Gugu grew up in a family that didn’t talk openly about relationships and love. As a teenager, she began seeing a man who abused her and forced her to have sex without a condom. Soon Gugu was a young mother, struggling to find acceptance. Gugu wants others to listen to her story and think about how they can support women’s rights and responsible sexuality for both men and women in rural areas.
Sonke works with many communities to use storytelling and digital media to help people tell their own stories around gender, violence, HIV and AIDS and related issues.
Sonke partnered with Silence Speaks to enable young people and adults affected by violence and HIV and AIDS to share their stories. Other digital stories have been produced with former prisoners who experienced sexual violence in jail. And the MenEngage African Youth Alliance and Sonke partnered with UNFPA to produce “Youth Stories of Change” along with a discussion guide and other resources.
Through intensive, participatory video production workshops, Sonke is bringing rarely-heard voices and images into the civic arena. Our hope is that by highlighting everyday stories, we will deepen existing conversations about gender norms and health issues, as well as empower the storytellers and their communities.
Click here to download a facilitator’s guide, discussion guides and other Digital Stories resources to assist in the use of these tools in your community.
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice and achieve gender transformation.
Please note that Sonke does not offer counselling or other support services to individuals. Click here for information on where to get help.
Sign up for the Sonke e-Newsletter to receive social justice news and views in your inbox.
Please see our Privacy Policy here.
