South Africa: A Passionate Advocate for the Rights of Adolescent Girls and Young Women

In the heart of South Africa’s rural communities—where tradition and culture often overshadow the rights of adolescent girls and young women—a quiet revolution is taking root. In areas like Izingolweni’s Breamah and Nzimakwe in Ugu District, and Mzamba and Bizana in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela local municipality, the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) has long cast a shadow over the lives of young women. These regions are known GBV hotspots, where patriarchal norms have historically silenced voices and stifled progress. But change is stirring. 

A local organization, committed to advancing women’s rights and human dignity, has launched a transformative initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young women to become agents of change. The project’s objectives are bold: to challenge toxic masculinities, to engage men and boys in the fight against GBV, and to create safe, supportive environments where young women can thrive. 

Before the intervention, many young women in these communities lived in fear, their rights routinely ignored. There were few, if any, platforms for them to speak out or demand justice. The silence was deafening—and dangerous. Today, that silence is being broken. 

Thanks to peer-led support and community mobilization, adolescent girls and young women are now actively participating in forums that address their health, safety, and rights. They are organizing, speaking out, and demanding accountability. 

 One powerful example of this change occurred in Mzamba, where community members—led by young women—marched to the local SAPS station. Their mission: to deliver a memorandum demanding justice for a young woman affected by violence in the area. 

This act of courage and solidarity marked a turning point. It was not just a protest—it was a declaration that the community would no longer tolerate abuse or impunity. 

The Station Commander responded with a promise: 

“We will ensure that this matter is thoroughly investigated and the perpetrator arrested.” 

Azuzile, a young protester, voiced the collective resolve of her peers: 

“All women and girls must begin to act now as we can no longer remain quiet and become victims.” 

And from the Men’s Forum, a call to action: 

“Men and boys must begin to take responsibility and act to avoid gender-based violence,” said Ntate. 

These voices—once silenced—are now leading the charge for justice and equality. 

The project’s sustainability lies in its grassroots approach. Community engagements are being ramped up, with ongoing campaigns and conversations involving all stakeholders. Mechanisms for identifying, reporting, and punishing perpetrators are being developed in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The goal is clear: to build a community where every girl and young woman is safe, respected, and empowered. 

By:Thandazile Yalo.