South Africa: Collaboration with Social Health + Empowerment (S.H.E.); Building Inclusive Movements
Strengthening Coalitions for Gender Justice
Masimanyane Women’s Rights International has long championed women’s rights through its coordination of the Women’s Ikhwelo Network, a coalition committed to advancing gender equality and ending violence. Among its members is Social Health + Empowerment (S.H.E.), an organization working tirelessly for transgender women’s rights.
For years, S.H.E. operated independently in the transgender space, while Masimanyane focused broadly on women’s rights. The gap was clear: collaboration was needed to ensure that advocacy for gender justice was truly inclusive. This story reflects how intentional engagement and capacity-building bridged that gap, creating a stronger, united front for LBTQIA+ communities.
The Change: From Parallel Efforts to Shared Vision
The turning point came when Masimanyane recognized that its work under the Gender Links Programme required deeper engagement with LBTQIA+ communities. To prepare, staff underwent gender diversity training facilitated by the Gay and Sexuality Alliance. This training was transformative equipping teams with knowledge, confidence, and sensitivity to work effectively with diverse gender identities.
As a result:
- Collaborative Planning: Masimanyane and S.H.E. began holding joint discussions, exchanging strategies to strengthen advocacy within LBTQIA+ spaces.
- Shared Action: Staff now conduct community sessions that include gender-diverse participants, ensuring inclusivity at every level.
- Joint Advocacy: Both organizations participated in protests against human rights violations targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Knowledge Exchange: Masimanyane actively engaged in the Trans Health Symposium organized by S.H.E., deepening its understanding of transgender health and rights.
This collaboration marks a significant shift from isolated efforts to a united movement grounded in solidarity and intersectionality.
Evidence of Impact
The partnership is not just theoretical; it is visible in action:
- Gender diversity training completed by Masimanyane staff.
- Active participation in protests and advocacy campaigns for LGBTQIA+ rights.
- Community sessions conducted with gender-diverse participants.
- Engagement in the Trans Health Symposium hosted by S.H.E.
These milestones reflect a growing commitment to inclusivity and shared leadership in the fight for gender justice.
Voices of Change
“The gender diversity training has opened up my understanding of the pronouns to be used.”
— Precious
“Tame your dragons” a phrase from Dr. Madeleine Muller, reminding us to deal effectively with issues that upset us.
— Linda
“Transgender women need to live their lives unapologetically.”
— Gita
These quotes capture the essence of transformation shifting mindsets, embracing diversity, and affirming dignity.
Why This Matters
Gender justice cannot be achieved without addressing the unique challenges faced by transgender women and other marginalized groups. By collaborating with S.H.E., Masimanyane is ensuring that advocacy efforts are inclusive, intersectional, and responsive to realities. This partnership strengthens the Women’s Ikhwelo Network and sets a precedent for coalition-building that centers all voices.
Sustainability and Next Steps
The collaboration with S.H.E. is not a one-off it is a foundation for long-term impact. Key priorities include:
- Joint Research: Partnering with studies within Thuthuzela Care Centre's (TCCs) to document experiences of gender-diverse individuals.
- Integrated Planning: S.H.E. will play an active role in all Ikhwelo Network activities, ensuring representation and insight.
- Advocacy Against Gendered Corruption: During Women’s Month, Masimanyane and S.H.E. will collaborate with the African Women Against Corruption Network (AWACN) to spotlight corruption affecting trans women.
This partnership signals a future where movements for gender justice are united, inclusive, and unstoppable
By, Farida Myburgh, East London
