South Africa: Connecting for change

Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Fund: Connects for Change! – Learn how networks amplify voices and impactPower in ConnectionIn the fight for gender justice, one truth stands out: no organisation can create lasting change alone. Grassroots movements face common challenges — limited resources, competing priorities, and the constant need to adapt to new realities. The Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Fund recognises that the real strength of social justice work lies in connection and collaboration.Through its Learning and Support Hubs, RWVL creates spaces where grantees exchange experiences, share tools, and inspire each other. These hubs go beyond meetings — they are incubators for ideas, empowering organisations to collectively find smarter, more impactful ways to serve their communities.Building Digital Bridges: Lessons from the WebinarsThis collaborative spirit was evident in two recent RWVL webinars:

1. “Exchange on Tech-Enabled Solutions” showcased how digital tools can help grassroots organisations expose harmful narratives and mobilise communities for change.
   • The Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC) demonstrated the power of data-driven tools like sentiment analysis and social-media listening to counter GBV misinformation and guide advocacy campaigns.
   • The Organisation for Young Women’s Dignity (TOFYWD) shared how they use Monday.com as a “digital office” to coordinate volunteers and track projects.
   • Sisonke National Movement illustrated the impact of online petitions (Change.org) in galvanising communities and influencing policy.
2. “Working Smart, Reaching Far” focused on using technology to improve efficiency and amplify voices:
   • Ronel from GRIT introduced AI as a personal assistant, showing how it eases reporting, content creation, and admin work.
   • Nyara Youth Development explained how a structured social-media strategy—with tools like Hootsuite and Buffer—ensures consistent, targeted engagement.
   • Women Leadership & Social Empowerment shared how a strong online presence has attracted funding and partnerships, proving that visibility drives impact.

From Isolation to Collective PowerThese sessions revealed the transformative power of networks. Each organisation brought a unique perspective:

• CABC provided data intelligence to shape advocacy.
• TOFYWD and Sisonke highlighted practical tools for community mobilisation.
• GRIT, Nyara, and Women Leadership & Social Empowerment showcased how digital strategies and AI can boost efficiency and reach.

Individually, these are useful practices. Shared collectively through RWVL’s Learning & Support Hubs, they become movement-wide solutions. This collaborative approach shows how grassroots organisations can overcome isolation, share skills and knowledge, and scale their impact together.Key Takeaways for the Movement

1. Tech and AI with a Human Heart: Digital tools can equalise access to advocacy and services but must be used ethically, with data privacy and inclusivity at the forefront.
2. Social Media as a Conversation: A thoughtful strategy builds trust and connection — it’s not just about broadcasting messages but about engaging communities.
3. Networks Amplify Reach: Collective learning hubs help small organisations avoid reinventing the wheel by sharing proven tools and approaches.
4. Sustainable Activism: By working smart, not harder, grassroots leaders can reduce burnout and focus on the heart of their mission — serving communities.

Connect for ChangeRWVL’s Learning and Support Hubs prove that connection is power. By joining forces, sharing innovations, and learning together, grantees are not just strengthening their own organisations — they are building a united movement for gender justice.To drive real, lasting change, we must keep the networks alive: collaborate, communicate, and amplify each other’s voices. Together, we can create a ripple effect that reaches further than any single organisation could achieve alone.For more information, contact grants2@genderlinks.org.za