Over one hundred learners and eight educators in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province have been capacitated on tools to advocate for gender equality and social justice in their respective schools and communities. This is through Sonke’s “Eyolutsha leMpumaKapa” youth-led project funded by Kindernothilfe, KNH.
Earlier this year, the initiative rolled out four intensive youth ambassadors bootcamps, focusing on promoting gender equality through a Gender Transformative Approach (GTA) as well as understanding Gender-Based Violence laws and policies, with particular focus on the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act.
”Participants explored themes such as gender stereotypes, mental health, LGBTQI+ inclusion especially in sport activities, cyberbullying, substance abuse, and more. These discussions not only raised awareness but also helped dismantle harmful perceptions around masculinity, femininity, and gender expression’’ said Senior trainer Anelisa Jezile.
“The discussions also reflected on the power of social media as a tool for awareness and mobilization, challenging the notion that youth are disengaged from societal issues,’ she adds.
Adolescents and youth in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Amathole District have limited opportunities to participate and advocate for their rights. Many are also inadequately informed about their rights and do not know how to claim them. Furthermore, GBV-related policies and laws are not effectively implemented and “translated” in a child-friendly manner at the local level to ensure the protection of children and adolescents from gender-based violence.
Through this project, Sonke has developed a safeguarding policy for children and youth, ensuring that the content is age appropriate; descriptive, engaging and easy to understand. The bootcamps provided safe spaces for participants to reflect on their lived experiences.
“The Eyolutsha LeMpuma-Kapa initiative reaffirms a simple yet powerful truth that when young people are given the space, support, and tools to lead, they rise to the occasion. These sessions have not only nurtured future leaders but have also ignited a ripple effect of transformation that promises to shape a more just and inclusive community,’’ said Senior Trainer Sandisiwe Pukwana.
Armed with new skills and knowledge, the trained youth ambassadors are now taking their message forward. Upcoming advocacy campaigns in their schools will spotlight inclusive sports and gender equality awareness. Through a peer education initiative titled “Each One Teach One,” these ambassadors will lead ongoing conversations around gender justice, using the power of peer-to-peer learning to drive real change.
