MEDIA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Sonke Gender Justice proudly marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of bold and sustained work to advance gender justice, human rights and health equity in South Africa, across the African continent and globally.
Founded in Johannesburg in 2006, Sonke has grown from a small South African initiative engaging men and boys in gender equality into a leading African feminist organisation working with communities, governments, civil society, donors and the private sector.
20 Years of Impact
Over the past two decades, Sonke has advanced gender justice through community mobilisation, advocacy, legal support and research. Key achievements include:
- Reaching millions of people through flagship programmes including One Man Can, MenCare, and Change Trial.
- Advocating for stronger laws, policies, and budgets to prevent gender-based violence, advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, and protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, sex workers, and people living with HIV.
- Strengthening access to justice for survivors of gender-based violence through legal support, research, and strategic litigation.
- Producing research and policy analysis that informs national and regional advocacy and advances gender-transformative practice.
“For 20 years, Sonke has held firm to a simple belief: gender justice is non-negotiable. When men take responsibility for transformation and stand with women, children and LGBTIQ+ communities, families and communities become safer and stronger. We thank every partner, donor, staff member and community leader who has walked this road with us,” says Heather van Niekerk, Co-Executive Director: Operations and Finance.
“This anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action. South Africa still faces unacceptably high levels of gender-based violence, femicide and inequality. As we enter our next chapter, we recommit to feminist leadership, accountability and the just, caring and equal society envisaged in our Constitution,” adds Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director: Programmes and Co-Founder.
Sonke extends its gratitude to the partners, funders, board members, staff and community activists who have made this journey possible. The organisation remains committed to advancing fundamental gender transformation in South Africa, across the continent and around the world. Another world is possible.
ENDS
For media enquiries, contact:
Amukelani Chauke, Regional Communications and Social Media Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice: amu@genderjustice.org.za | 074 857 4254
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice: bafana@genderjustice.org.za | 082 578 4479
NOTE TO EDITORS
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation. For media releases, reports and news visit https://genderjustice.org.za/ and https://genderjustice.org.za/newsletter-signup/
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