Issue 8 Articles
Regional Policy Scan Highlights Important Gaps in NSPs
Over the last year, Sonke’s work globally but especially in Africa, through the MenEngage Alliance, has grown significantly, and we are working closely with many organisations in the region to engage men and boys on issues of gender and HIV. The policy environments in the numerous countries where Alliance members are based vary enormously and this has a profound impact on the priorities and types of interventions which they adopt. Understanding these policies is an essential element of activism and development work, and so Sonke was very excited when we were engaged to conduct two policy scans across a number of countries. The first scan, completed in November 2010, looks at HIV and AIDS National Strategic Plans, while the second, which is still underway, examines the gender-based violence, educational, sexual and reproductive health, LGBTI, and parenting policies in a number of African countries.
Shukumisa: Civil Society Pushes Improved Implementation of the Sexual Offences Act
Sonke has always believed strongly in the importance of civil society advocacy initiatives, and after extensive internal discussions we have decided to focus our advocacy efforts on supporting the Shukumisa Campaign to improve implementation of the Sexual Offences Act. This decision was based on our awareness of the difficulties of obtaining justice for sexual offences in South Africa, despite the progressive legislation.
Red Card Campaign is of Key Relevance
Sonke has just finalised an evaluation of the Red Card Campaign which was run between May and Dec 2010. The evaluation highlighted a number of internal and external challenges to the campaign, but generally backed up the campaign approach and materials. Of key importance, was the clear finding that sexual exploitation is a major concern in our communities, and that often exploitative situations or behaviours are accepted to due to lack of knowledge and awareness. The Red Card Campaign is an important tool to use to raise awareness about child sexual exploitation and equip people to take action.
Sonke Intensifies its Work in Prisons
Levels of HIV in South African prisons are extremely high, and Sonke has long believed that it is important to work directly with prisoners to promote HIV prevention and treatment, and gender transformation. In order to try and address the need to reduce new HIV infections and increase positive living amongst staff and inmates both while in prison and upon release, in 2007 Sonke started working in prisons in the Western Cape and has now worked in almost all prisons across the province as well as in a smaller number of prisons in Gauteng.
Sikhangele Mabulu, the current project coordinator said, “The project seeks to reduce new HIV infections in prisons by identifying social networks amongst inmates and popular opinion leaders on risk-reduction advocacy roles. … Towards achieving the intended goal, Sonke has trained the Department of Correctional Services staff and inmates on HIV prevention, gender and health.”
Rolling-out medical male circumcision: making it work for women and promoting gender equality
The increased availability of bio-medical HIV prevention approaches, like medical male circumcision (MMC), mark an important step towards reducing HIV infections. However, it is important that these methods not be divorced from the social contexts in which they are implemented, especially cultural and gender factors.
Improving Access to Justice for Survivors of Gender and Sexual Violence in Limpopo
Towards the end of 2010, the challenges faced by victim empowerment programmes across the country were highlighted at the Department of Social Development's Victim Empowerment Programme (2000VEP) Conference. In part, this protest action was fuelled by the financial difficulties experienced by organisations such as the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme (2000TVEP) who have for over a decade promoted the rights of victims of violence.
MenEngage Partners Outraged at Murder of Ugandan LGBTI Activist David Kato
Following the brutal killing in January of David Kato, a fearless advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexed people’s (2000LGBTI) rights in Uganda, the MenEngage Africa network circulated a statement across the region which was endorsed by the MenEngage country networks and a large number of partner organisations.
Hamba Kahle Bruce Nkala
On Saturday, 26 March 2011, Bruce Nkala, one of the One Man Can trainers based in the Cape Town office, passed away suddenly. We will all miss him, and send our thoughts and condolences to his family and loved ones.
Recent Publications
Analysis of National Strategic Plans on HIV and AIDS in five global regions
A scan conducted for UNFPA by Sonke Gender Justice Network in preparation for a global consultation on integrating strategies to address gender based violence and include gender equality work with men and boys into National Strategic Plans, November 2010
Branching Out - Sonke's First One Man Can Branch
A case study documenting the formation and first year of Sonke's pilot OMC branch in Khayelitsha, Cape Town
MenEngage Africa Regional Update, March 2011
A report on the activities of MenEngage Africa from September 2010 to March 2011
Highlights
WHO Training
Between 24-25th February 2001, Sonke’s Policy, Advocacy and Research Unit and the WHO’s Department of Women, Gender and Health held a 2-day training in Pretoria on ‘Engaging men and boys to achieve gender equality and health equity.’ The training showcased a new module created by Sonke and WHO.
Bafana Khumalo
Bafana is one of the co-founders of Sonke and we were very sad to say goodbye to him at the end of Jan 2011, when he left Sonke to take up a position at Engender Health. We are pleased however, to welcome him onto the Sonke board and look forward to many years of his continued involvement in the organisation.
