Thoko: growing up without a Father

Thokozile and her friend were both living without their fathers. While Thokozile’s father died in 1993, her friend’s father went to work in Joburg. Neither had the love and support they craved. At fourteen years old, Thokozile watched her friend turn to an older boyfriend for the comfort she was missing. Her story exposes the vulnerability young women face in their relationships, and raises questions about men’s roles as fathers and partners.

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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.

Download Resources

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.