By Seth Naicker

The tide is turning: the movement is moving and the vibe is vibing as we mobilise faith in gender justice and men coaching for gender justice.

Today I am reflecting on the intersections of our work. We are in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which also marks World AIDS Day. Last Sunday was the first day of Advent, and on Saturday a campaign was launched for the freedom of Marwan Barghouti. On Friday of last week, I spoke to a fellow faith leader, an Imam from Sudan. As we look around our world our lives are filled with intersections, or even perhaps crossroads. In my faith tradition as a Christian, I love preaching on the arrival and birth of Jesus Christ. I proclaim a point ‘at the arrival of Jesus Christ – x marks the point- from this point on an ever-increasing minority is now to become an ever-increasing majority.” In this season of Advent, we are called to reach out and we are reminded of our faith that is reaching out and embracing.

As we entered into the 16 Days of Activism last week, and I watched the voices joining in, I sensed that a tide is turning- I sensed that more people, and more faith leaders were waking up to the cry for justice, and the need to do work to prevent and mobilise efforts to end GBV.

A tide is turning. As we enter the holiday season, as people from diverse backgrounds, may we hold on to a hope that a tide is turning. We will see a positive values-based social impact to prevent and end GBVHF, we will see more help and support for people infected and affected by HIV, we will see nations facing genocide rising from the rubble and ashes to proclaim, “we have overcome.” Whoever you are, wherever you at, get invested and involved in doing what’s right to fix what’s wrong. You and your voice and your influence are important. So speak out and come to the help of those who are in need.