Sonke’s view: fathers get same amount of parental leave as mothers
Fathers get the same amount of parental leave as mothers
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The Inkanyezi podcast series
Watch the Inkanyezi project podcast series which explores the transformation of women’s leadership and the advancement of gender equality in South Africa. The series delves into the impact of the project throughout its implementation period, insights into various forms of Gender-Based Violence and how the project address harmful social norms. In the first episode, Project […]
Sonke’s leadership in the C20 Women and Gender Equality working group
When South Africa assumed the 2025 Group of twenty(G20) Presidency, it inherited more than just a diplomatic responsibility. It gained a platform to influence how the world responds to inequality, climate crises, and fragile democracies. In this high-stakes moment, civil society has a critical role: ensuring that global policy reflects the realities of those most […]
Women in leadership faced with challenges
As Women’s Month concludes, Sonke’s Policy Development and Advocacy Manager, Mpiwa Mangwiro-Tsanga, spoke to SABC about the persistent challenges women continue to face in the workplace. From discrimination and sexual harassment to systemic injustice, these issues remain pressing concerns. The discussion took place during a Women’s Empowerment in the Workplace seminar hosted by the Commission […]
Policy and Media role in the fight against GBVF
Sonke’s Mpiwa Mangwiro-Tsanga, Manager of the Policy Development and Advocacy unit, shares insights into the organisation’s legislative advocacy work in the fight against Gender-Based Violence-Femicide. The conversation highlights the critical role of policy reform, responsible GBV reporting, and the importance of media training in shifting narratives and driving systemic change.
Religious leader speaks out: The role of faith in combating Gender-Based Violence
Reverend Judidy Ngwenya, minister in the Presbyterian Church of South Africa, is one of the young women leaders who participated in Sonke’s feminist leadership training as part of the GAC Inkanyezi Project. In her conversation with Sonke’s Communications and Strategic Information manager Kgomotso Mophulane, she highlights the importance of civil society working together with religious […]
CSF chair reflects on GBV work with Sonke in Bushbuckridge
Ernest Nkanyana, Chairperson of the Civil Society Forum in Bushbuckridge, which is one of the key stakeholders in the Inkanyezi Project in Mpumalanga, shares his experiences working closely with Sonke Gender Justice. He speaks to Communications and Strategic Information Manager Kgomotso Mophulane, about the impact of the project’s interventions, particularly in the prevention of gender-based […]
Sean “Diddy” Combs verdict sparks reactions
Following a split jury decision, Sean “Diddy” Combs has been convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. Although acquitted of the more severe racketeering and sex trafficking charges, which could have resulted in life imprisonment, he still faces up to 20 years in prison. Sonke Gender Justice’s Mpiwa Mangwiro joined SABC News to […]
NPA appeals Televangelist Timothy Omotoso’s acquittal
Sonke’s Co-Executive Director Bafana Khumalo weighs in on the National Prosecuting Authority’s decision to appeal to the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso. The Gqeberha high court recently found Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, not guilty of 32 charges including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Scourge of Violence in South Africa Demands Decisive Action
Sonke Gender Justice laments the surge in cases of violence against children in South Africa. The recent reports of child sexual assault cases in the country highlight a disturbing phenomenon that demands urgent intervention and systematic and structural reform. In recent cases that have sparked outrage and anti-gender based violence marches across the country, is […]
Inkanyezi Project: Strengthening community engagement and response
The Inkanyezi project team in Mpumalanga hosted a series of forums in the first quarter of the year, aimed at addressing the concerns and challenges faced by communities affected by displacement and other social issues. Bringing together local community leaders, government representatives and other stakeholders, these discussions served as a platform for fostering collaboration and […]
The Omotoso case verdict is disappointing for the victims
The Gqeberha high court have found Nigerian televangelist pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, not guilty of 32 charges including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking.In her ruling judge Irma Schoeman said the state had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Omotoso was arrested eight years ago […]
Nigerian Pastor acquitted of rape charges
The Gqeberha high court have found Nigerian televangelist pastor Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, not guilty of 32 charges including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking. In her ruling judge Irma Schoeman said the state had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Omotoso was arrested eight years […]
Sonke appointed Co-chairperson of the Mpumalanga Council of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
Sonke Gender Justice is honoured to announce its appointment as the Co-chairperson of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Council in Mpumalanga alongside its premier. This appointment comes in the wake of Sonke’s initiatives in the province addressing GBVF and promoting women’s leadership in decision making, funded by our partner Global Affairs Canada. We are pleased […]
Traditional leaders have a responsibility to strengthen the prevention of GBV
In 2023, the United Nations issued a statement that urged traditional leadership to play a role in fighting gender-based violence. The statement reiterated that “As symbols of unity and tolerance, traditional leaders are part of the authorities best placed to reverse the epidemic of Gender-Based Violence”. To the contrary, a recent video circulating on social […]
Sexual harassment allegations against South Africa’s top leaders depict power dynamics at play
Incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace have come under the spotlight in South Africa recently, following the inquiry into sexual harassment claims against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. The Judge President is facing a misconduct investigation by the Judicial Conduct Tribunal, after a sexual harassment complaint laid against him by judges’ secretary, Andiswa […]
Sonke Gender Justice leads #GBVNotMyHeritage campaign to challenge harmful norms
Sonke Gender Justice launched the annual #GBVNotMyHeritage campaign under Generation Gender programme, a bold initiative against the normalisation of Gender-based Violence, so deeply rooted in the cultural and religious fabric of South Africa. The in-person campaign was conducted from September the 26th to October 4th at Generation Gender implementation sites in Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and […]
Inkanyezi project Policy GBVF-NSP Policy dialogue
Sonke Gender Justice, through the Inkanyezi Project, hosted a Policy Dialogue on the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide on the 4th of December 2024, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier, Independent Electoral Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality, and the Commission for Human Rights and other stakeholders. The purpose of […]
GBV is Not Our Heritage
It is often said, the definition of madness is doing the same thing the same way expecting different results. In the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) we often find ourselves repeating campaigns to raise awareness or hold duty bearers accountable. Unfortunately, the term duty bearer is often limited to officials within the criminal […]
Cancelling the notion ‘men will always be men’’, championing the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
Studies globally show that men are likely to be perpetrators in reported cases of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. Physical violence, sexual violence, psychological abuse, economic abuse, cultural or harmful Practices and digital abuse are common examples of violence that males perpetrate. When it comes to combating gender-based violence and femicide, men can be […]
#GBVNotMyHeritage campaign
Sonke in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland hosted the #GBVNotMyHeritage in Diepkloof and Orlando townships in Soweto from the 26th to the 27th of November 2024, in commemoration of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The campaign was aimed at engaging faith and traditional leaders in their role to address some of the drivers of GBV […]
Spike in South Africa’s Violence Cases Requires Urgent Action
South Africa’s Police minister Senzo Mchunu recently released the second-quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year. The report, which coincides with the annual 16 days of activism against Gender based violence campaign, revealed the rate of murder of women in the country to have risen by 8.6% during this period. Incidents of assault with […]
South Africa’s gender equality struggles, 30 years on.
As South Africa marks 30 years of its democracy, we take stock of the progress, challenges and strides made in terms of addressing issues affecting women in the country. According to the ‘Gender Power in Africa’ study by consultancy Gallup, which analyses the disparities and imbalances that shape the lives of women in five African […]
Advancing transformative Feminist Leadership
The Mpumalanga Inkanyezi project team held a three-day training for elected officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and community representatives in collaboration with the Commission for Gender Equality, from the 13th to the 15th of November 2924. The workshop was to capacitates participants to better understand feminist leadership. The session highlighted how feminist principles can motivate […]