Issue 5 Articles
Sonke at the 2010 UN Commission on the Status of Women
This year, Sonke (represented by Dean Peacock and Bafana Khumalo) again participated in the United Nations 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held from 1-12 March 2010, in New York. From the launch of our report on SA’s progress, to our participation in high level panel discussions and presentations, Sonke ensured that work with men and boys remained on the agenda.
Do men have a role to play in TOP?
It is never easy to talk about termination of pregnancy (2000TOP) as many people have strong moral objections to it. This widespread disapproval, along with misconceptions, misinformation and fear of stigma and discrimination lead many women to having backstreet abortions which place their lives and health at risk.
Sonke has been working with men and boys in Khayelitsha to educate them about TOP and about sexual and reproductive health rights generally, in order to help women access safe TOP services more easily.
Women as peace-building actors
Micheline Minani Muzaneza is one of the peer educators involved in Sonke's Refugee Health and Rights project. A refugee from Burundi, Micheline is a member of the African network of women peace activists. Recently she was asked to participate in a very prestigious training on women's roles in promoting peace in Africa.
Migrant boys make themselves heard
Sonke has worked with migrant boys living in Musina, Limpopo to produce a series of storytelling posters highlighting pressing issues in their community. Using the PhotoVoice methodology, the project encourages boys to use photography and writings to describe their daily lives focusing on their hopes, concerns and experiences related to human rights, gender and HIV and Aids.
Refugee health and rights update
Sonke’s Refugee Health and Rights project is actively working with refugees and migrants in and around Johannesburg and Cape Town to provide information and support on HIV and gender. Although the project has a relatively small staff component and budget, the enthusiasm and community spirit of the peer educators and volunteers have helped to make this a very successful project.
Building branches, serving communities
Over time, Sonke has become increasingly aware of the need to sustain a presence in communities after particular projects or initiatives have been completed. It was with this in mind that we started our first One Man Can branch in Khayelitsha last year. We are now engaging in a drive to establish other branches in different parts of the country.
“My mindset changed and I am a freed man”
Sonke is grateful for the wonderful team of interns, volunteers and project partners who build our capacity and add value to our work on an ongoing basis. Too often we don’t take the time to stop and reflect on what motivates these passionate people to commit their time and energy to join us in our efforts to prevent gender-based violence and the spread of HIV.
We recently asked some of the individuals we work with how Sonke has touched their lives and what they perceive the value of the organisation to be. We interviewed volunteers, research associates and developers of advocacy and awareness projects...
Recent Publications
South Africa Report for the 54th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
Beijing Plus 15 Progress Report for the 2010 UN CSW
Short video on Sonke's case against Julius Malema
Evaluation of the Musina Project
OMC Termination of Pregnancy Curriculum
Video interview with Frank Mugisha on proposed anti-homosexuality legislation in Uganda (Part 1), and Part 2
Highlights
MALEMA GUILTY: On 15 March, Magistrate Collis found Julius Malema guilty of Hate Speech and Harassment in the case brought against him by Sonke in the Equality Court. Malema is appealing this ruling.
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SRHR CONFERENCE: In Feb 2010, Thami Nkosi and Bafana Khumalo participated in the 4th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights.
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SOON TO BE RELEASED: Sonke will soon be releasing a new 3 part film on African men and boys' perceptions and use of condoms.
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