South Africa - Mosadi Ithlokomele Protecting Women and Girls Against GBVF

Usizo Community Development Projects strengthens community responses to GBVF through structured training, improved systems, and empowered staff. The Mosadi Ithlokomele initiative supports women and girls in underserved communities to access justice, protection, and long-term safety.

‘Mosadi Ithlokomele’—a Sesotho phrase meaning ‘Woman, take charge and protect yourself’—has become the driving force behind Usizo Community Development Projects’ work to combat Gender‑Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Operating in underserved communities in Gauteng, including Soweto and informal settlements, the organisation supports women and girls facing systemic inequalities, poverty, and limited access to justice. With over 500 women assisted since inception, the project focuses on mobilising support, strengthening justice pathways, and addressing community‑level factors that allow GBVF to thrive.

Through the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) programme, the organisation participated in GL Academy courses that significantly improved internal skills, work discipline, and team coordination. Staff reported better time management, improved turnaround times, and stronger collaboration across departments. Knowledge gained from the academy was shared through internal workshops, ensuring that all staff, including community field workers, developed the skills to document cases effectively and manage sensitive GBVF‑related information.

These workshops strengthened staff confidence in planning, communication, monitoring, and service delivery. The organisation also standardised documentation, enhanced its monitoring and evaluation systems, and ensured all staff received training on relevant regulations and tools. These improvements streamlined operations and strengthened accountability.

Significant organisational improvements followed the completion of the Organisational Development Scorecard (ODS). Usizo opened a separate bank account for WVL funds, strengthened financial transparency, enhanced procurement processes, and improved safeguarding measures. A more functional board was elected, and financial documentation was transitioned to a shared digital drive.

These changes have strengthened morale and teamwork. Programmes are now more professional, efficient, and centred on beneficiary wellbeing. Communities report increased trust in the organisation, and stakeholders acknowledge improved coordination and response to GBVF cases.

To sustain progress, Usizo will embed GBVF prevention and awareness into all internal policies, strengthen safeguarding procedures, and designate GBVF focal points to ensure accountability. Ongoing refresher trainings, strengthened partnerships with police, health facilities, and community structures, and active fundraising will continue to support women and girls in need.