Sign the United as One pledge
Sonke has joined civil socity organisations and individuals from around South Africa condemning xenophobia. > join us by signing the Unite As One pledge
World cup condemns
Sonke joins other HIV/AIDS organisations in condemning blockages by FIFA and LOC to make condoms and health-related materials available in FIFA controlled Stadia, fan parks and fan fests. >> read the civil society statement
AIDS Organisations condemn blockages by FIFA and LOC regarding condoms
AIDS Organisations condemn blockages by FIFA and LOC to make condoms and health related information available in FIFA controlled Stadia, fan parks and fan fests Leading South African AIDS organisations are today jointly condemning FIFA and the Local Organising Committee for blocking access to the distribution of condoms, and to HIV prevention and health related […]
Brothers for Life: Play the Game of Life
Brothers for Life has enlisted some of the best-known names and faces in South African sport and international football to help promote HIV prevention and take a stand against violence against women and children in South and southern Africa. >> download the Brothers for Life Press Release >> download the Brothers for Life Fact Sheet
SAB discontinues “Grootman of Laaitie” ad campaign
SAB has agreed to discontinue the “Grootman of Laaitie” ad campaign following a complaint by Sonke and other parties that the adverts linked excessive drinking with masculinity and being a man. >> read Sonke’s press release >> read SAB’s press release
highlights this quarter
MALEMA GUILTY: On 15 March, Magistrate Collis found Julius Malema guilty of Hate Speech and Harassment in the case brought against him by Sonke in the Equality Court. Malema is appealing this ruling. >> read more SRHR CONFERENCE: In Feb 2010, Thami Nkosi and Bafana Khumalo participated in the 4th Africa Conference on Sexual Health […]
Sonke at the 2010 UN Commission on the Status of Women
This year, Sonke (represented by Dean Peacock and Bafana Khumalo) again participated in the United Nations 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held from 1-12 March 2010, in New York. From the launch of our report on SA’s progress, to our participation in high level panel discussions and presentations, Sonke […]
Do men have a role to play in TOP?
It is never easy to talk about termination of pregnancy (TOP) as many people have strong moral objections to it. This widespread disapproval, along with misconceptions, misinformation and fear of stigma and discrimination lead many women to having backstreet abortions which place their lives and health at risk. Sonke has been working with men and […]
Women as peace-building actors
Micheline Minani Muzaneza is one of the peer educators involved in Sonke’s Refugee Health and Rights project. A refugee from Burundi, Micheline is a member of the African network of women peace activists. Recently she was asked to participate in a very prestigious training on women’s roles in promoting peace in Africa. The training was […]
Refugee health and rights update
Sonke’s Refugee Health and Rights project is actively working with refugees and migrants in and around Johannesburg and Cape Town to provide information and support on HIV and gender. Although the project has a relatively small staff component and budget, the enthusiasm and community spirit of the peer educators and volunteers have helped to make […]
Building branches, serving communities
Over time, Sonke has become increasingly aware of the need to sustain a presence in communities after particular projects or initiatives have been completed. It was with this in mind that we started our first One Man Can branch in Khayelitsha last year. We are now engaging in a drive to establish other branches in […]
“My mindset changed and I am a freed man”
Sonke is grateful for the wonderful team of interns, volunteers and project partners who build our capacity and add value to our work on an ongoing basis. Too often we don’t take the time to stop and reflect on what motivates these passionate people to commit their time and energy to join us in our […]
Sonke on the Equality Court’s ruling on the Julius Malema case
Julius Malema’s Comments Amount to Hate Speech and Harassment The Sonke Gender Justice welcomes the ruling passed down in the Equality Court today finding that Julius Malema’s comments about rape survivors amount to hate speech and harassment. Sonke spokesperson, Mbuyiselo Botha says, “Magistrate Collis has shown that we have a solid and strong justice system […]
Open letter to Minister Lulu Xingwana from activists and civil society groups
The Joint Working Group (JWG), a network Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) organisations and many other organisations and individuals across South Africa have been following with great concern the discussions around the walk out of Minister Lulu Xingwana from the Innovative Women exhibition in August of last year. We were particularly interested to read the official statement […]
MenEngage Africa Symposium
In his opening address at the MenEngage Africa Symposium, held in Johannesburg in early October 2009, Mr Mbatsha, Special Advisor for the Department for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities succinctly summarised the importance of engaging men in gender justice: men are perpetrators of violence, men are key transmitters of HIV, and consequently, men can […]
The Fatherhood Project: A Force for Change
With the quest to continuously engage and work with men on gender transformation programmes and initiatives, Sonke Gender Justice embarked on the “Force for Change Fatherhood Project” in the Mhlontlo municipality, a rural community in the Eastern Cape. Two villages, Balasi and Shawbury, were engaged through the outreach activities. The Force for Change Fatherhood Project […]
Judgement pending in the hate-speech case against Julius Malema
On 24 November 2009, Johannesburg Court Magistrate Colleen Collis informed parties in the Malema Equality Court case that she was reserving judgement in the matter and would inform parties when the decision would be handed down.
Sonke Visit to De Doorns
It is with great sadness that I report on our visit to the campsite at De Doorns where a number of foreign nationals are sheltering after the xenophobic attacks which took place in mid November 2009. De Doorns is a small farming area just outside Worcester (approximately 250km outside Cape Town) and it is alleged […]
Making 2010 FIFA World Cup Count
“Soccer is exercise and is also fun. When children play soccer they learn discipline and how to get along with others. They may also decide to play other sports and this lead to a more active lifestyle. These are the habits that result in healthier living as the child grows older.” Sonke Gender Justice through […]
Working with Displaced Young Men in Musina
With the support of UNICEF, Sonke and People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) have started working in the Limpopo town of Musina near the Zimbabwe border to address the very high-levels of violence against women and children (especially migrants) in the area. Musina is characterised by a huge number of migrants – particularly vulnerable and mobile […]
Sonke Launches First OMC Branch
The atmosphere spoke of excitement, passion and solidarity. The speeches offered support and commitment from local organisations and Sonke partners for this exciting new initiative. Spoken word and personal testimonies shed light on the community’s fears and inspirations, and highlighted the urgent need for engaging in this work. Music filled the space with hope and laughter, while […]
New Evidence of Positive Impacts from Work with Men and Boys on Gender and HIV
New research indicates that interventions promoting behaviour change among men on gender attitudes and roles, sexual behaviour and health produce positive impacts. Sonke Gender Justice is pleased to announce publication of ground-breaking original research results that confirm positive impacts of its “One Man Can” (OMC) campaign with men and boys in promoting gender equality, preventing […]
Johannesburg Call to Action
During the MenEngage Africa Symposium, delegates drew up a Declaration and Call to Action. >> read the declaration
Brothers for Life Launch
Launch of new national men’s campaign – Brothers for Life – to mobilise South African men to act on HIV – 29 August. Durban: The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Department of Health, USAID/PEPFAR (The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa (JHHESA), and Sonke […]
