Sunrise Campaign strengthens Municipal commitment to women's empowerment

The Sunrise Campaign hosted a Reflection, Learning, Sustainability and Transition Workshop on 22 -m 23 July, bringing together representatives from participating municipalities to reflect on the implementation of the campaign, celebrate achievements, and share lessons learnt.

The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Naledi Masipa, who introduced the workshop objectives, expected outcomes and programme agenda before guiding participants through a reflection on the Sunrise Campaign journey. The session also highlighted the campaign's overall achievements, including economic empowerment outcomes, GBV prevention efforts, municipal participation, key performance results and inspiring success stories.

Throughout the workshop, municipalities reflected on the positive impact of the Sunrise Campaign. Municipalities reported that the programme had empowered women through entrepreneurship, enabling many survivors of gender-based violence to rebuild their confidence, become financially independent and leave abusive relationships. Increased awareness of human rights and women's rights has also empowered women to advocate for themselves and participate more confidently in community and public spaces.

Municipalities shared numerous success stories of women who have established and expanded businesses, secured contracts and created sustainable livelihoods. Strong collaboration between municipalities, Gender Links, local NPOs and other stakeholders was recognised as a key contributor to the programme's success. Municipalities also noted improved community participation in Human Rights Awareness Campaigns and the 16 Days of Activism. Media coverage through local radio stations and local newspapers increased the visibility of the Sunrise Campaign and highlighted its positive impact in participating communities.

While celebrating these achievements, municipalities also reflected on challenges experienced during implementation. These included limited business and entrepreneurial skills among some participants, poor financial management, dependence on project support after programme completion, limited collaboration from some Local Economic Development (LED) units, low marketing skills and difficulties with business compliance and permit renewals. Participants also highlighted the need for stronger municipal support and improved participant selection to ensure greater sustainability.

The workshop provided an opportunity for municipalities to identify lessons learnt and develop adaptive responses for future implementation. Participants agreed on the importance of profiling beneficiaries before programme implementation, prioritising women with existing businesses or viable business ideas, strengthening financial literacy and bookkeeping, providing ongoing mentorship and working more closely with local community organisations. Municipalities also recommended continuous training in business management, marketing, technology, product quality improvement and regular follow-up support to strengthen business sustainability.

Discussions on sustainability focused on ensuring that the Sunrise Campaign continues to benefit communities beyond the funding period. Municipalities committed to providing ongoing mentorship for women-owned businesses, strengthening partnerships with local NPOs and victim support organisations, integrating business support into municipal programmes, promoting innovation, facilitating networking opportunities and incorporating Sunrise activities into municipal planning and budgeting processes.

As part of the way forward, participating municipalities committed to strengthening collaboration between Gender Focal Persons and LED departments, improving participant profiling, conducting regular follow-up meetings with beneficiaries, supporting business compliance and registration, promoting continuous learning and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to access markets, procurement opportunities and business networks. Participants also committed to documenting more success stories and continuing to empower GBV survivors through sustainable economic empowerment initiatives.

The workshop concluded with a market display, where each municipality showcased its Sunrise Campaign initiatives and achievements. The workshop ended with a reflection session, where participants shared their key takeaways and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the impact of the Sunrise Campaign.

Participating Municipalities

Midvaal Municipality
Emfuleni Local Municipality
Sol Plaatje Municipality
George Municipality 
Greater Tzaneen Municipality
Phokwane Local Municipality 
Maruleng Local Municipality 
Magareng Local Municipality 
Knysna Municipality