On the 25th November 2013, Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and UNAIDS South Africa launched ‘We Will Speak Out: South Africa’ at Pretoria Cathedral.

The coalition will seek to:

– Empower faith communities to speak out and act against sexual violence
– Equip churches to become safe spaces for survivors
– Mobilise survivor movements who will influence policy and practice
– Engage men and boys in preventing sexual violence

Read the coalition statement here.

UNAIDS and AB

Speakers included the Anglican Church, HOPE Africa, National Prosecuting Authority, Tearfund, SAFFI, Sonke Gender Justice, UNAIDS and UNWomen (pictured above) spoke during the event.

The Most Revd Thabo Makgoba lead the attendees in prayers for those affected by sexual violence and the local church to respond and prevent sexual violence.

We Will Speak Out: South Africa Activities

Since the launch several new organisations have joined the coalition, therefore on 10th September 2014, coalition members will meet to develop activity plans for the future.

On 26th November 2013, faith leaders met to develop an action plan for the faith response based on findings and recommendations mentioned in the ‘Breaking the silence’ report. The plan will seek to galvanise broader action at a national level to end sexual violence.