SONKE GENDER JUSTICE IS MAKING STRIDES IN COMBATING SEXUAL VIOLENCES

BUTTERWORTH- Sonke Gender Justice, a dedicated NGO fighting against HIV, STIs, family planning issues and gender-based violence, has achieved a significant milestone in the battle against sexual violence.

Project Manager Vuyokazi Gonyela, based in Butterworth, proudly announced the upcoming sentencing of a traditional healer convicted of raping an initiate in Compton Park on April 23, 2025.

This victory highlights Sonke Gender Justice’s ongoing commitment to seeking justice for survivors of gender-based violence.

Beyond legal support, Sonke Gender Justice’s impactful initiatives like the Inkanyezi project are empowering women in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.

In the Eastern Cape province, 25 women from Mbhashe and Mnquma local municipalities are actively engaged in this life-changing project.

Gonyela stressed the organization’s inclusive ethos, stating, “We educate boys and men on the importance of positive family structures. Sonke Gender Justice embraces LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities, creating a welcoming environment for all.”

With a holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence, Sonke Gender Justice has celebrated numerous successes since its establishment in 2006.

The organization’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity, education, and legal support drives their mission towards a society free from gender-based violence.

According to Vuyokazi, Sonke Gender Justice employs a variety of methods, such as printing pamphlets and utilizing social media, to raise awareness about gender-based violence and related issues.

Notably, Sonke Gender Justice’s advocacy efforts led to the successful passage of the GBVF amendments in 2023.