RWVL Grantees Launch 16 Days of Activism
Reflect. Act. Unite: RWVL Grantees Launch 16 Days of Activism with a Year-Long Journey of Collective Power
On 24 November 2025, on the eve of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership South Africa (RWVL-SA) program, together with its grantees from all nine provinces, officially launched this year’s commemoration under the theme: “Reflect. Act. Unite: Ending Digital and All Forms of Violence Against Women.”
This was more than a launch, it was a powerful moment of collective reflection on 365 days of activism, solidarity, movement-building, and service delivery driven by grassroots women’s rights organisations across South Africa.
A Celebration of Voice, Power, and Daily Activism
RWVL grantees work on the frontlines of gender-based violence every single day, supporting survivors, shifting harmful norms, influencing policy, and strengthening community response systems. The launch created space to honour that continuous, often invisible labour.
In her opening message, Andisiwe Gcali from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) expressed pride and gratitude for the meaningful impact created through GAC’s support to RWVL grantees. She emphasised how the work happening at community level is directly contributing to safer, more empowered environments for women and girls across the country.
The event also premiered a reflection video prepared by the RWVL interns. The video powerfully showcased the interconnectedness of grantee work across thematic areas: from diversity and inclusion, SRHR, climate justice, economic empowerment, communications and technology, and land rights, all firmly rooted in the fight against GBV. It demonstrated how each theme serves as a “division of soldiers,” fighting GBV from every angle with specialised tools, stories, and expertise.
The launch acknowledged President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent declaration of GBV as a national crisis during the G20 Summit, a critical moment that echoed years of demands raised by feminist movements, including RWVL partners. Gender Links also showcased a powerful skit and exhibition from the G20 side event, highlighting the devastating statistic that 15 women are killed every day in South Africa, and reaffirming the commitment of civil society to fight until that number reaches zero.
Zintle Khobeni from The Great People of South Africa (Western Cape) reflected on the impressive collective work grantees have done throughout the year, from joint campaigns and solidarity actions to cross-provincial knowledge exchange. She thanked GAC for investing in work that is changing lives and strengthening community-level responses to GBV.
From the faith sector, Daniela Gennrich of We Will Speak Out South Africa (KwaZulu Natal) presented a compelling overview of activism within feminist theology and the role of faith communities in ending GBV. Her presentation highlighted accountability, spiritual support, and community action as essential pillars of prevention.
Nompumelelo Mathabela from One in Nine Campaign (Gauteng) took participants on a broader historical reflection, drawing from two decades of feminist activism and movement-building in South Africa. She reminded participants that fragmented responses do not work, solidarity does. She highlighted:
- past struggles against the exclusion of LGBTQIA+ communities
- the call for accountability in the state
- the significance of movements like #TotalShutdown
- the formation of the GBV National Strategic Plan
- and the creation of the GBV Response Fund, now supporting many grantees in the meeting.
Her powerful message reinforced the need for collective organising and thanked GAC and Gender Links for strengthening the ecosystem of feminist activism.
Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied: A Call to the President
Representing RWVL and Gender Links, Nomthandazo Mankazana (WVL Grants Manager) presented the open letter titled “Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied,” written collectively by RWVL grantees, allies, and partners earlier in 2025.The letter calls on President Ramaphosa to urgently address failures in the criminal justice system that continue to silence and retraumatise survivors. It emphasises the need for timely justice, improved investigations, accountability, and a survivor-centred approach aligning with the commitments of the national GBV Strategic Plan.
Unity in Action, A Year of 365 Days, Not Just 16: This launch reaffirmed that RWVL grantees do not only rise for 16 days BUT they stand united for 365 days of activism. Their work in shaping movements, supporting survivors, educating communities, influencing policy, and amplifying marginalised voices continues year-round. As we move into the official 16 Days of Activism, the message is clear:
Reflect on the journey.
Act with purpose.
Unite for a South Africa free from all forms of violence, online and offline.
RWVL grantees, Global Affairs Canada, and Gender Links continue this journey together, strengthening feminist movements that are transforming communities, shaping national dialogue, and refusing to stop until every woman and girl is safe.
