Welcome to Sonke’s 2023 second edition of the quarterly newsletter. We are excited to share with you our latest organisational developments over the past few months. In this edition, you will read about the linkages between climate change and gender-based violence, the strides South Africa is making in parental leave laws and a recap on Sonke’s participation in two major gatherings on promoting gender equality.
Sonke News & Views
Parental Leave
Sonke instrumental in South Africa’s new parental leave judgment
South African fathers can now share four months parental leave with their partners, according to a new verdict by Johannesburg High Court. The matter was brought to court by a Polokwane couple, Werner and Ika van Wyk, Sonke Gender Justice and the Commission for Gender Equality among other organizations. The verdict as delivered by Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland, concluded that the provisions of the current BCEA regulating parental leave offend against sections 9 and 10 of the South African Constitution as they unfairly discriminate between mothers and fathers. Sonke welcomes this landmark judgement which is contributing to growing our jurisprudence on the quest for shared care-work in families. Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice and Co-Chairperson of Global MenEngage Alliance spoke to ENCA about this groundbreaking verdict.
Gender-Based Violence
USAID/Khutlo activity launched in Lesotho
USAID /Khutlo consortium partners Pact and Sonke Gender Justice, under the Civil Society and Media-Strengthened Together and Advancing in New Directions (CSM- STAND), convened a three-day stakeholder consultation and official launch of the USAID/Khutlo activity project from the 28th to the 30th day of August 2023 in Maseru, Lesotho. The project aims to reduce stigma, discrimination, and violence against women, girls, and LGBTQI+ communities in Lesotho communities.
Gender-Based Violence
The gendered impact of climate change and its effects on gender-based violence
Sonke Gender Justice hosted a series of events to commemorate Women’s month in August, one of which was to explore the gendered impact of climate change and its effects on gender-based violence. Women’s month is an opportunity to gauge how far South Africa has come in addressing gender inequality and other forms of social injustices. Sonke’s Policy Development and Advocacy Manager Mpiwa Mangwiro-Tsanga spoke to ENCA on the linkages between climate change and GBV.
Adolescents & Teens
Gender Transformative Approaches capacity strengthening workshop for Youth Ambassadors in Johannesburg
Sonke’s Community Education and Mobilisation unit conducted a Gender Transformative Approaches capacity strengthening workshop with Youth Ambassadors in Diepsloot, Johannesburg in September 2023, under the Going For Goal project funded by The Red foundation. The project engages young people between the ages of 13-18 years old on issues of gender-based violence and substance abuse using indigenous games. The training focused on gender issues, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, substance abuse and children’s rights.
Gender Equality
The third MenEngage Africa symposium sparks a renewed commitment to the fight for gender equality in Africa!
MenEngage Africa, Sonke Gender Justice, and MenEngage Rwanda, and Rwanda Men’s Resource Centre-RWAMREC, hosted the third MenEngage Africa Symposium in Kigali, Rwanda from the 14th to 16th of August 2023, under the theme; “Accountability and Transformation through Gender-Equitable Evidence-Based Programming”. The event brought together MenEngage Africa members and partners, academics, activists, donors, and representatives from the United Nations agencies to share best practices on transforming toxic mindsets and patriarchal masculinities, engaging men, and boys in promoting gender equality.
Gender-Based Violence
The scourge of Gender based violence in South Africa is alarming
Community Education and Mobilisation Manager Nonhlanhla Skosana spoke to Inkosi Media about the alarming rate of gender-based violence in South Africa and the role Sonke plays in the gender justice space.
Gender Equality
Sonke actively participates at the Women Deliver conference 2023
Sonke Gender Justice and Men Engage Africa participated at the Women Deliver 2023 conference which took place in Kigali, Rwanda in July. The conference gathered over six thousand, three hundred women’s rights advocates from around the world, to engage on gender equity, sexual and reproductive health, and rights and women’s rights.
Gender Equality
Sonke acknowledged for its contribution to advancing Gender equality
We are proud to be recognised as a very high performer in Gender Equality in the 2023 Global Health 50/50 report workplaces: worse for women! The 6th annual report is an analysis of workplace policies on workplace sexual and reproductive health rights, and gender equality of about two hundred global organisations active in global health. We are pleased to be part of the change and call on our fellow organisations to commit to equality for health equity.
Gender-Based Violence
Donor’s Corner: The Swedish International Development Cooperation – SIDA
In this edition’s Donor Corner, we are thrilled to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to SIDA, a cherished ally in our journey as Sonke gender Justice and MenEngage Africa. SIDA is Sweden’s government agency for development cooperation, which strives to reduce poverty and oppression around the world.
Upcoming Events
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence
The global 16 days of activism against Gender-based violence campaign is a few days away and Sonke is actively participating in programs across the country. Join us, as we act and call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Recommended Resources
South African Parental Leave judgment October 2023
Criminal law (sexual offences and related matters) amendment act 12 of 2021
MenEngage Africa Strategic Plan 2024 – 2027
To report an incident of sexual harassment, bullying, abuse or any other form of harassment experienced, seen or heard about, or an incident of fraud, corruption or bribery: CALL the toll-free whistle-blower hotline: 0800 333 059, or SMS: 33490, or email: sonke@whistleblowing.co.za. Sonke does not tolerate sexual harassment, bullying, abuse or any other forms of harassment.
