Sonke is extremely appreciative of the generous support provided by the Irene M. Staehelin Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting social justice and human rights around the world. Their support has been instrumental in advancing our work to address gender-based violence and HIV in the Western and Northern Cape provinces in South Africa. Through this collaboration, Sonke has been able to strengthen community-driven approaches that empower marginalized populations, challenge harmful gender norms, and promote equitable health services. The Foundation’s generous contributions have supported transformative initiatives that enhance rights-based advocacy and foster safer, inclusive communities.
On 19 November 2024, the IMS Foundation board members visited Sonke’s Men’s Wellness Centre in the Western Cape. This visit provided an opportunity to witness the impact of Sonke’s work firsthand. Board members engaged with beneficiaries, who shared powerful testimonies of personal transformation, and participated in a Men’s Dialogue session with diverse stakeholders, including traditional leaders, health service providers, and LGBTQI advocates. These discussions highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to promote men’s health, address GBVF, and end violence against women and children.
The partnership has enabled Sonke to scale up the Gugulethu Men’s Wellness Programme, conduct formative research into indigenous communities, and strengthen civil society’s capacity for policy advocacy. By leveraging media, religious, and traditional authorities, the Foundation’s support has also advanced community mobilization to hold duty-bearers accountable for delivering inclusive health services. Projects of this nature are crucial in our country especially because South Africa faces the intersecting crisis of GBV and HIV/AIDS with some of the highest rates globally. These projects have the ability to break the existing cycle of violence in homes as well as HIV/AIDS infection by fostering gender equality, improving access to healthcare services and empowering communities. As a result of this partnership, Sonke continues to build on our Rights, Action, Accountability and Sustainability model, scaling up efforts to empower local communities to address GBV and HIV.
This initiative emphasizes the vital role of men and boys in transforming harmful gender norms, while also promoting the leadership of marginalized groups, including indigenous communities. Together, we are creating a future where communities can access opportunities, healthcare, and rights, free from discrimination and violence. By addressing these issues holistically, we are not only solving present challenges but also paving the way for future generations to thrive in a more just and equitable society. We deeply value the support from Irene M. Staehelin Foundation and look forward to build on the impact from this strategic partnership.
