CBS in Practice in the Context of Gender-Based Violence 2

Webinar Part 2, facilitated by Rev Sithembiso Zwane Director of Ujamaa Centre. The second CBS webinar workshop brought together 17 participants, trained and ordinary readers of the Bible, to once again practice the See, Judge/Discern, Act method. This time we explored 2 Samuel 13: verses 1 to 22: the rape of Tamar. The text was…

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BS in Practice in the Context of Gender-Based Violence 1

Webinar Part 1, facilitated by Rev Sithembiso Zwane Director of Ujamaa Centre. Contextual Bible Study (CBS)  was presented ultimately as a way of creating agency: our acting upon the world and in our lives; making sense of our lives by looking at the past as it is presented in the Bible, invoking sacred texts of…

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Profiling Partners’ Local Red Chair Campaigns

Anglican Church of Southern Africa Anglican Church of Southern Africa Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Anglican church of Southern Africa Archbishop Thami Ngcana Bishop Joshua Louw, Bishop of Table Bay Diocese of Eswatini Diocese of Eswatini Diocese of George  Diocese of Highveld Fire Touch Ministries Frontier Church Hope Africa Hope Africa Ikhwelo…

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Safeguarding

Gender and Safeguading Policy Framework The time is now to ensure that our places of worship are truly safe and inclusive, and that we are not sometimes contributing to GBV without meaning to do so. We can’t achieve this unless we are intentional and create a GENDER AND SAFEGUARDING POLICY FRAMEWORK to help ensure that…

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Red Chair

The Red Chair Campaign The 16 Days Campaign is upon us! Have you ever considered the immense gap left behind when a loved-one is murdered by their partner? Have you thought about the difference that we could make as faith communities to stop this senseless loss of life, if we just listened to survivors’ voices…

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November Forum Meeting

November Forum Meeting The Faith Action Collective to End GBV monthly Forum meeting: Wednesday 06 November 12h30 to 14h00 Theme: Movember & The 16 365 days of activism Agenda: Movember: How men can be positive, active and present in ending GBV by taking care of their wellbeing. Several partners will share what they are doing with helping men be active…

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United Voices and Action Against GBV: Interfaith Solutions for Prevention and Action

Ending Gender-Based Violence in Faith Communities and Broader Society South Africa continues to battle the pervasive scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which has plagued families, communities, and society for far too long. Dubbing it a pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa also acknowledged the critical role of faith communities in addressing this crisis. As institutions…

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Historic Covenant

Interfaith Collective Unveils Historic Covenant to End GBV After months of sweat and tears, the first-ever joint Interfaith Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Mitigation Strategy 2024–2030 was officially launched yesterday at the Baha’i National Centre in Johannesburg. This landmark initiative represents a significant and urgent step to move beyond scripture and theology and take concrete…

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Ground-breaking Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy

Ground-breaking Interfaith GBV Prevention & Mitigation Strategy The Faith Action to End GBV Collective, in collaboration with We Will Speak Out South Africa (WWSOSA), proudly announces the launch of the first-ever joint Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy 2024–2030. This historic initiative marks a significant step forward in the united efforts of diverse faith communities…

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Till Femicide Do Them Part

Society must urgently awaken to the need to break the silence, liberate religious texts from the misinterpretation by charlatans, and foster harmonious collaboration with government and all relevant partners to end gender-based violence, writes Bhekisisa Mncube. The stark reality of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in South Africa calls for a multifaceted approach that transcends…

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From cultural abduction to gender advocate

From cultural abduction to gender advocate We Will Speak Out and Faith Action to End GBV Collective held part one of a two-part series on Embracing Traditional Culture and Faith in Life-giving Ways: A Personal and Professional Journey Sibongile Mtungwa, Director at the Women’s Leadership and Training Programme (WLTP), KwaZulu-Natal led an open discussion where…

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Culture, Religion, the Law and GBV

Culture, Religion, the Law and GBV You are invited to our upcoming two-part webinar series. Part 1: Embracing Traditional Culture and Faith in life-giving Ways: a Personal and professional Journey. Date:12 September 2024: 17h30-19h30Please Register here: https://forms.gle/Lakhp8qvQs8Yqhn48Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8967361826 Part 2: Traditional Culture, Faith and the Law: Holding the Tensions Date 26 September 2024 18h00-20h00Please Register here: https://forms.gle/Lakhp8qvQs8Yqhn48 Zoom…

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Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy

Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy 2024-2030 The much-anticipated Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy 2024-2030 draft was unveiled at the September Interfaith Forum meeting on 3 September 2024. A validation process is now underway in the different faith communities to shape the final Strategy which will be launched in Gauteng on 3 October 2024. …

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September Faith Action Forum: GBV Strategy 2030

September Faith Action Forum: GBV Strategy 2030 At this time of season-change, we in the faith sector are also feeling the winds of change – These are exciting times! Join us for this month’s Interfaith GBV Forum where we will unveil the Interfaith GBV Prevention and Mitigation Strategy 2024-2030. The strategy has emerged from a…

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Strat2030 Launch Save the Date

Finally – after months of consultations, drafts and hard work – we are ready to share the next step in implementing the joint Interfaith GBV Statement of Commitment! We promised it was not just going to be another statement, so many of us have been working to create a FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION: SAVE THE DATE…

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Pandit with passion

Pandit with a passion for rights  By Joanne Joseph Arthi Shanand was pregnant when her husband first hit her. Arthi recalls the shock of that moment, along with his broken promises that it would never happen again. But it did for another twenty-three years, her two children witnessing the violence first-hand. Counselling failed, as did…

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FLGTP update

Faith leaders as agents of change for GBV prevention In the past 10-months, a group of faith leaders have completed a transformative programme which aims to capacitate their institutions and places of worship as agents of change against gender-based violence (GBV). With support of the Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention (VCP) programme (as well as…

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GIZ Award

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been working in South Africa since 1995. A country office opened in Pretoria in 1996. GIZ partnered with WWSOSA as part of The Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention programme (VCP) which was recognised for its exceptional approach to promoting gender…

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GBV and the Law I

WEBINAR – GBV and the Law Domestic Violence Act, Harassment and Protection Orders PART 1 (20th June, 6-8pm) Focuses on the Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Harassment and Protection Orders. PART 2 (10th July) focuses on the Sexual Offences and Criminal Procedures Acts (and if there is time, on the Marriage Act – if not, it may…

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Forum Meeting 12th June 2024

Faith Action Forum Meeting: 12 June 2024    THEME: Interfaith GBVF STRATEGY 2030 in a Time of Transition Wednesday, 12 June 202412h30-14h00 Agenda Highlights: Check-in: How was your experience of the 2024 Elections? Organisational Profile: Women’s Election Mechanism for Peace-WEMP – Opportunities for Collaboration (Ms Ashantewaa Archer-Ngidi (KZN Peace Room Coordinator); Read more here Interfaith GBV…

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AGM 2024 Invitation

Invitation: 2024 AGM You are invited to attend WWSOSA’s 8th Annual General Meeting, and a brief engagement on the draft GBV Interfaith Strategy 2030: Tuesday 18th June 202416h00 to 17h30 ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87465782562Meeting ID: 874 6578 2562 Please Register at this link: https://forms.gle/T6fPNKsqn5aSrAT26 The 45 to 60 minutes will be the BUSINESS MEETING. It will…

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Two part-time roles advertised

Two part-time roles advertised WWSOSA is inviting applications from suitable candidates for 2 potential roles to contribute to the work of WWSOSA and the Faith Action to End GBV Collective. Please note that the deadline is very tight – the opportunity closes on Tuesday 14th May, and successful applicants will be informed by the following…

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INTERFAITH GBVF STRATEGY 2030 – Help Shape the Way forward!

INTERFAITH GBVF STRATEGY 2030 Help Shape the Way forward! The May 2024 Faith Action Collective Forum meeting takes us to the next step in the development of the Interfaith GBVF Strategy 2023! The writing team will present Draft 2 for your comment and suggestions for improvement. We will also announce the Working Teams to take…

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Faith Action Forum Meeting 6th March

Faith Action Form Meeting March has arrived all too soon, and it is time for us to meet as the Faith Action Collective to end GBV, which I am excited is becoming increasingly interfaith – so please invite all those from any faith that has a vision for ending GBV! This month, our meeting coincides…

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Toxic Masculinity at Play

"... I was already seething with anger that had been building over the past six days. I bombarded her with a series of questions, giving her no chance to respond to the barrage of inquiries posed by an angry monster. In the heat of the moment, without further thought, I raised my voice and my hand. I slapped her across the face and kicked her randomly. She cried. At that moment, I was immediately overcome with shame and remorse..."

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Night of the Long Knives

Unless we address things by their true names, the battle against gender-based violence will be lost before teatime writes Bhekisisa Mncube about the darkest day of his life when he once hit a woman, in part two of a three-part series.

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Beyond Forgiveness

When the abuser passed away, it brought catharsis instead of grief, writes Bhekisisa Mncube about his healing from sexual abuse, endured over four decades ago.

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STAKEHOLDER REPORT

You can read the full report here STAKEHOLDER REPORT FULL Unite to End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)! In the heart of our diverse nation, faith serves as the guiding light for over 85% of us. It’s time for our collective beliefs to ignite change and end the rampant gender-based violence and femicide plaguing our…

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Echoes of Violence, Whispers of Hope

A Genocide On Our Women SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINIAN WOMEN: GBVF, A GLOBAL AND LOCAL PANDEMIC It’s heart-wrenching to confront the string of recent femicide and domestic violence cases plaguing South Africa during the Festive season. The absence of formal statistics does not diminish the gravity of these incidents. The stories circulated via media platforms along…

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New Year Fever Is Upon Us!

As the New Year’s jubilation envelops us in its infectious energy, let’s not forget the harsh reality that lurks in the shadows. Amidst the laughter and clinking glasses, there’s a silent danger that many women face – an increased vulnerability to rape. While the champagne flows and the music plays, it is essential to recognise…

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Not-So-Happy Holidays?

How You Can Support Survivors Of GVBF This Festive Season The festive season is often associated with joy and celebration, but it’s important to remember that for some individuals, particularly survivors of domestic abuse, this time of year can be challenging.  As we navigate the holiday season in our faith communities, it’s crucial to create…

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Faith Mission

Faith Leaders Pledge to Combat Gender Violence and Femicide in a New Initiative As South Africa commemorates 25 years since initiating the 16 Days of Activism for NoViolence against Women and Children campaign, a renewed approach to the scourgecritical, reports Bhekisisa Mncube. In a landmark move, the Faith Action to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Collective,…

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From Summit to Statement to Action

INTERFAITH ACTION TO END GBVF. From Summit to Statement to Action It’s been an incredibly impactful week since we gathered at Emseni for our Summit, launching the Joint GBVF Statement of Commitment and kick-starting the Interfaith GBVF Signature Campaign. I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your active participation and unwavering commitment to advancing this…

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Signing the Pledge to End Gender Based Violence
Media Statement: Interfaith Action to End GBVF Summit

Faith Leaders Unite in Historic Declaration against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide at Benoni Summit Bhekisisa Mncube November. 16, 2023 Johannesburg, South Africa – The Faith Action to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Collective, aftermonths in the making, finally unveiled their Interfaith Joint Statement of Commitment and SignatureCampaign on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) at a conference…

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Turning the Toxic Tide of Violence Against Women and Children

In societies such as South Africa, where religion predominates, it is pivotal that faith-based organisations play their part in eradicating gender-based violence and femicide, writes Joanne Joseph. I distinctly remember sitting in our Anglican church on a Sunday morning in the 1990s when the call was made for congregants to vote as to whether women ought to be…

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Interfaith Movement from Commitment to Action

Interfaith movement from commitment to action Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide​ There is a movement in the country. A movement against gender-based violence and femicide by faith-inspired servant leaders, scholars, activists, survivors, faith leaders and concerned citizens of South Africa who are uniting to speak out and mobilise for change. The Faith Action to End…

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Unifying Faith Communities

Our Commitment to Ending Gender-Based Violence October 2023: A Month of Unseen Horrors 969  women murdered in South Africa in just three months* “It is time that men and boys recognise the role they must play in gender equality and join with the voices and actions of the women and girls who are trying to…

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Forum: Building an Interfaith Movement

THEME: “What does it mean to build an Interfaith Movement for Justice and Peace in the Context of GBV”   Faith Action CollectiveForum Meeting Join the conversation! Wednesday, 25 October 202312h30-14h00 AGENDA SHARED REFLECTION:What does an Interfaith Movement for Justice and Peace look like? UPDATES:The Interfaith Forum of South Africa (TIFSA) ConferenceInterfaith GBV Mobilisation CampaignCommunications…

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Interfaith Action to end GBV – Statement and Campaign

INTERFAITH Action to end GBV Press Statement In a historic move, the Faith Action to End GBV Collective has embarked on a groundbreaking Interfaith Sector GBV Mobilisation Campaign that transcends religious boundaries.  Together, diverse faith leaders and communities are taking a public pledge to play a significant role in multi-stakeholder initiatives aimed at preventing gender-based…

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AGM 2023

AGM 2023 The new date for the WWSOSA AGM is the 19th October, from 13h00-14h30. The Agenda for the 2023 AGM can be found below. The AGM Presentation can be found here. The minutes from the previous AGM can be found here. The Annual Report can be found here. If you already registered for the 28th…

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Forum Meeting

Link to register: https://link.wwsosa.org.za/forumregister ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89673618261 Meeting ID: 896 7361 8261

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Call for Applications: Part-time Administration and Communications Support Officer

Call for Applications Part-time Administration and Communications Support Officer Terms of Reference We Will Speak Out South Africa (WWSOSA) is a coalition of individuals and organisations engaged in mobilising and equipping the faith sector to become Gender-Based Violence-Competent, and to become credible and effective stakeholders in broader society’s efforts to end GBV and Femicide in…

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Faith Action to end GBV – June Forum Meeting

Faith Action to end GBV – June Forum Meeting Come and join us for this month’s Faith Action Forum meeting: DATE: 28 JUNE 2023TIME: 12H30-14H00 AGENDA: CHECK-INUPDATES:• Interfaith GBVF Campaign• Faith Leaders Gender Transformation Programme• IPV and Family Programme• Safe Faith Communities• Resource TeamADVERT: Temporary roles for new projects 2023PARTNER’S SHOWCASE: Institute for the Healing of…

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KZN Provincial GBVF Summit Process

National and KZN GBVF Summit Processes Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is rampant in South Africa, spanning across ages, in urban and rural areas, across all communities, genders, classes and all forms of social markers, and in both private and public spheres. Despite progress made in the implementation of the national response to the pandemic,…

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Safe spaces for gender and GBV activists

Safe spaces for gender and GBV activists This is the first of a series of safe spaces for gender and GBV activists to reflect on the challenges of being a person of faith in the context of rampant gender-based oppression and violence, often intentionally or unintentionally promoted or condoned by our religious institutions. WHEN? Tuesday…

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SABC Article

SABC Website – Article on the role of the religious sector During the harsh days of apartheid, some parts of the religious sector played an important role in inspiring and mobilising people to fight for freedom. During those dark days, many people used religious organisations to help them find courage, comfort and hope when they…

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Faith sector voices at the Presidential Summit on GBVF-2

Faith sector voices at the Presidential Summit on GBVF-2 The presence and the voices of the faith sector were palpable at the Presidential Summit on GBVF 2 held on 1-2 November. In the first Presidential Summit, the faith sector was strikingly invisible but in the recent Summit, the We Will Speak Out SA Collective and…

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The Role of the Religious sector in curbing GBV

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention Programme (VCP), We Will Speak Out South Africa and Faith Action to End GBV will host a webinar series to engage on the role of the faith sector in curbing GBVF. The NSP-GBVF highlights the…

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Faith Leadership Gender Transformation Programme

Faith Leadership Gender Transformation Programme Imagine faith leaders across South Africa transforming their places of worship and institutions to be a driving force in turning the tide against GBVF… Imagine faith leaders equipped with both sound theological foundations and an understanding of how their own gendered history has influenced their gender positionality…  Imagine faith leaders…

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AGM & Mini-Conference

AGM & Mini-Conference You are invited to our 6th AGM on 4th October, 12-1pm, followed at 2 pm by a ground-breaking mini-conference asking what it means for the faith sector to be accountable for our stance and our work in relation to GBV. Annual Report AGM Agenda Please REGISTER HERE Zoom Link Board Nomination Form…

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KZN Gender Vibes Newsletters

Gender Vibes Newsletters Gender Vibes KZN is a bi-monthly newsletter produced in partnership with the KZN Network on Violence against Women funded by Gender Links and the Canadian Government. KZN Gender Vibes Newsletter Issue 11 KZN Gender Vibes Newsletter Issue 9 KZN Gender Vibes Newsletter Issue 7 KZN Gender Vibes Newsletter Issue 5 KZN Gender Vibes Newsletter Issue…

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Hailey Fudu – The Importance of an interfaith approach

The Importance of an interfaith approach to GBVF Mrs Hailey Fudu MSc in Peacebuilding from the International Centre of Non-ViolenceSecretary for Religions for Peace SA, KZN Inter Religious CouncilMember of the Baha’i Local Spiritual Assembly of eThekwini Transforming South Africa into a culture of peace is a cherished hope shared by people of faith and goodwill…

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NSP Workshop – GBV Prevention

NSP Workshop – GBV Prevention   You are invited to an exciting workshop that takes place on Thursday 18th August, hosted by the Faith Action to End GBV Collective – on the National Strategic Plan to end GBV and Femicide. We will discuss how we as the faith sector are contributing in our diverse ways to GBVF Prevention efforts and how we…

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Stakeholder Report June 21 – February 2022

The Faith Action to End GBV Collective comprises faith-based organisations andindividuals working together and in their own spaces to create a South Africa freefrom gender injustice and GBV. This report offers brief snapshots of the Collective’s three main activities, some excitingachievements, key challenges and important lessons learnt. The purpose of this report isto open further…

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Invitation: Advancing Gender Equality to Realize the Demographic Dividend

Religions for Peace is pleased to invite you to a virtual dialogue on Advancing Gender Equality to Realize the Demographic Dividend that is being organized in collaboration with UNFPA, the German Federal Foreign Office and the Berlin Institute for Population and Development, on Thursday, 7 July 2022 at 2:00pm SAST (GMT +2). This dialogue brings together representatives of religious organizations, multireligious networks, government,…

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