Sonke Annual Report 2022/3

The year under review is a continuation of our proud narrative of stemming sexual and gender-based violence in South Africa, the African continent and beyond. As we always do, we have stepped beyond the mundane to intervene on emerging issues to eradicate inequalities. The achievements, challenges and learning espoused in this report all point to our unbridled commitment to promote gender justice, women’s rights, health rights and social justice. At policy level, our board has continued to steer the Sonke ship with innovative pragmatism, allowing us to competitively respond to the everyday challenges in a dynamic environment of globalisation. 

We have ensured that our policies are responsive and relate increasingly to how our staff envisage an ideal world of work. Policies and procedures have been strengthened to level-up with global standards and practices as Sonke establishes itself as an international organisation. As the board superintends this trajectory, we are always mindful of the lived realities of our target groups who face poverty, human rights violations, and the burden of diseases on the African continent. Intersectional feminism is thus an essential element of our work. We see the value of this composite approach every day in the deliverables, and the global footprint of our impact. 

As a board we are really impressed with the splendid work and achievements during the year under review. As this report will show, and as you take a tour of our 2023 storyline, you will witness a traceable story of resilient programme interventions in the Africa region and the global space. A story of cultivating positive masculinities, gender transformative approaches and addressing social and structural drivers of inequality and ill health. Key milestones achieved have managed to propel the work of Sonke to greater heights and solidify our footprint in South Africa and in the region. Our Generation Gender work in South Africa and Uganda has been impactful in building capacity, pushing for legislative reform and other efforts towards a gender just and Gender-Based Violence free society. Our MenCare programme continues to stand out as an innovative approach to entrench man’s involvement in dismantling some of the harmful norms and practices that facilitate gender-based violence. 

The MenEngage project has expanded from 22 countries to 24 countries across Africa as more and more organisations come on board. We also continue to receive references of successful interventions within our multi-dimensional portfolio. This includes our Power to Youth project in Malawi and Uganda which has sustained conversations and advocacy against early marriages, female genital mutilation and harmful practices, including access to sexual reproductive health information and services. It is my belief that as this report unfolds, we will gain a better understanding of the enormous work done during the year that was. As the board, we will continue to reflect more, plan more, listen more and make sure that the following year will be much better than this year. As we look forward, the task will always be to align with the vision of Sonke. The vision of a world in which womxn, children, men and gender-non-conforming individuals enjoy equitable, caring, healthy and happy relationships that contribute to the development of gender-just and democratic societies free from poverty.

This will be the last time I pin a chairperson’s report and what a meaningful and impactful ride it has been. I would love to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on the board for their continued support and strategic leadership, and the management team for all the hard work advancing Sonke’s vision. Special thanks to our partners and donors for all the support in ensuring that we can reach communities and contribute to gender transformation in our region.

From my end, fare- thee- well!

Karabo van Heerden 
Sonke Gender Justice Board Chairperson