GL@25: A journey that became my own

As Gender Links celebrates 25 years on 17 March, I find myself deeply emotional. My story with GL is not just professional, it is personal. It is a journey of growth, purpose, and transformation.

I first encountered GL in 2010 through the Gender Justice Summit and Awards, representing Capricorn District Municipality in the SADC region. I remember standing there as a presenter, passionate about ending violence against women. That year, I received an award under Innovative Strategies to End Violence. I did not know then that this moment would mark the beginning of a long and meaningful relationship.

Year after year, I returned to the Summit, learning, competing, growing. Until 2015, when I was asked to serve as a judge. It was a bittersweet honour. Capricorn District could no longer compete, but instead of stepping back, I stepped forward differently. I mobilised civil society organisations in the district to participate. I encouraged local municipalities to join the Summit. I mentored and supported many across South Africa to strengthen their presentations and portfolios of evidence. My joy was no longer in winning, it was in seeing others rise.

In 2021, after taking early retirement from local government, I officially joined GL as a consultant. I am a teacher by profession, and joining Gender Links felt like coming home. I was still teaching, but now I was teaching empowerment, resilience, and leadership. Today I am proud to say I am now on a staff contract in Gender Links, I am home.

Leading the Sunrise Campaign has been one of the most profound chapters of my life. I have sat with women who once saw themselves as victims and watched them reclaim their dignity. I have seen women travel outside their communities for the first time, sleep in hotels for the first time, board flights for the first time, and most importantly, believe in themselves for the first time. Those moments cannot be measured in reports. They are felt in the heart.

Gender Links has not only changed communities. It has changed me.

As we celebrate 25 years, my wish is that GL continues to light the way for women and girls across the region. May it remain bold. May it remain compassionate. May it remain committed to justice and equality.

I am proud to say: I have grown with Gender Links. And I am still here.

Happy 25th Anniversary. The journey continues.

(Written by Naledi Masipa, Gender Links South Africa Manager: Sunrise Campaign)