Annual Report 2023/4

The year under review marks the end of an era as it concludes the Sonke 2020- 2024 strategic plan. This report outlines our programme interventions across Africa and globally, illustrating how we put the four pillars at the foundation of this plan – Rights, Action, Accountability, and Sustainability – into action over the past year to achieve our strategic goal.

We are proud of our successful implementation and impact of activities. In particular, our partnerships and collaborations – this year, we awarded 67 subgrants in 21 countries in Africa across 12 donors. As we mobilised resources, we engaged a variety of funding partners who shared our vision. Influencing policy is a critical area of Sonke’s work. One milestone achievement this year was the Johannesburg High Court’s landmark judgement which will see South African fathers enjoy up to four months of parental leave. Sonke Gender Justice, the Commission for Gender Equality, and other organisations appeared as amicus in the matter and brought to court by Polokwane couple Werner and Ika van Wyk.

The year also had challenges. In Uganda, the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) is a tremendous setback for sexual and reproductive health rights in the country, directly affecting programming in projects such as Power to You(th). At the global level, the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States continues to have roll-on effects for Africa with substantial implications for progressive and feminist organisations and movements. Being this as it may, our agility ensures we mitigate risks and adapt where we can. We are pleased our effective financial management continues to enhance programme success. Like other years, this financial year had both achievements and challenges, but once again, our strong and resilient financial management systems produced an unqualified audit. We also recruited new board members this year, comprising diverse and prominent leaders with lived and professional expertise in Sonke’s programmes.

We look forward to their strategic leadership. On behalf of the board, I want to share our gratitude with all who contributed towards achieving real change impacting lives across the continent. The collaborative effort, commitment and resilience of Sonke’s staff and support of our donors ensures we continue to advance gender transformation.

We thank our partners for their trust and support that makes this work possible. Working together, we can all be part of strengthening governments, civil society, and citizens to actively contribute to social justice. We remain committed to realising the vision of a gender equitable society.

Kind Regards,
Mmapaseka Steve Letsike
Sonke Gender Justice Board Chairperson