Southern Africa: WOSSO fellows graduate!

Antananarivo, Madagascar; The Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) fellowship marked a historic milestone with the graduation of its first cohort on 20 August 2025, celebrating the achievements of 14 dynamic young women from Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Kingdom of Eswatini, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe). The fellowship, funded by the British Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and implemented by Gender Links, has been instrumental in empowering women to advance advocacy on sexual and reproductive health, gender based violence, climate justice, and inclusive governance.A Celebration of Advocacy and ImpactOver the past 18 months, the fellows have challenged gender norms and broken cultural barriers by bringing forth women’s lived experiences and amplifying voices often excluded from decision making spaces. Through grassroots mobilisation, regional engagements, and global advocacy, they have highlighted issues such as reproductive rights, economic justice, and the urgency of tackling climate change from a feminist perspective.At the ceremony in Antananarivo, fellows were recognised with awards that honoured their distinct contributions, including the Transformative Advocacy Award, Consistent Presence Award, and Outstanding Growth Award. These recognitions symbolised both their individual journeys and the collective power of young feminist leadership in shaping social transformation. View the graduation awards.The ceremony featured speeches from dignitaries, including a representative of the British Embassy, who commended the fellows for their courage and commitment to gender equality. Partners and mentors who supported the fellowship also reflected on its role in opening doors for women to engage in high-level advocacy and policymaking.In her valedictory speech, Zintle Tsholwana, speaking on behalf of the graduates, expressed gratitude for the transformative experience“This fellowship has taught us to believe in our voices and to use them as tools for change. We are not only graduates, we are torchbearers for justice, equality, and dignity.”Her remarks resonated strongly with the theme of the ceremony the passing of the advocacy torch to a new generation of women leaders in the Southern Africa.Partnerships and Pathways ForwardThe success of the WOSSO fellowship was attributed to the strong partnerships that sustained it, particularly Gender Links’ coordination and the support of mentors who nurtured the fellows’ growth. These collaborations created pathways for fellows to participate in regional and global spaces, from the African Union to the United Nations, where they contributed to shaping policies that directly affect women and girls.Looking AheadAs the ceremony drew to a close, the fellows pledged to continue their advocacy work, inspired by the solidarity, training, and mentorship gained during the fellowship. They affirmed their commitment to speaking out against oppression and injustice in their communities and beyond.The graduation not only celebrated the achievements of the fellows but also underscored the importance of investing in women’s leadership. As one mentor Emma Kaliya highlighted“When young women rise, entire communities rise with them. The fellowship is proof that the South has powerful voices that the world must hear.”With the fellowship’s first cohort now alumni, the torch has been passed, carrying forward hope, courage, and the promise of a more just and equal world.