The Southern Africa Women Of Note (SAWON) Foundation will hold its annual GBV & Leadership Banquet conference on November 14 at the Durban ICC.
This event, “Meet. Engage. Inspire,” brings together important women from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) area to confront gender-based violence (GBV), cultivate ethical leadership, and uphold family values.
This year’s conference focuses on addressing the systemic inadequacies in the justice system that put GBV victims at risk.
SAWON CEO, Lucky Mthembu, emphasized the significance of confronting these difficulties head on.
“This year’s focus is to jointly speak with one voice to bring about change in the systematic challenges that GBV victims find themselves faced with each time they report and try to deal with perpetrators,” Mthembu told reporters.
“While we live in one of the most progressive justice systems in the world, there are still loopholes that leave the victims exposed to a point that they lose their lives in the hands of their abusers.”
The conference, in partnership with important partners such as the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF), will take a solutions-oriented approach based on scientific data and research.
Mthembu went further: “Using scientific data and studies which our partners like NFVF have been doing will bring about that solution-based driven strategy for the Conference.”
The Leadership Banquet will be a highlight of the event, honouring women who set a good example and promote family values.
Attendees will be motivated to take action to combat GBV, guided by the National Strategic Plan’s (NSP) GBV pillars.
Mthembu launched the Nokuthula Legacy, which will spearhead programs to educate high school students about GBV and provide safe spaces for both male and female survivors.
The term “indod’ Ayikhali” (literally “Tigers don’t cry”) was coined to describe how men typically bottle up their feelings for fear of being mocked, according to Mthembu, and this is something they also hope to address.
Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, will be one of the keynote speakers, discussing how sustainable agriculture can empower rural women.
Connie Ferguson, an actor, will provide her ideas on leadership and resilience, while Mbali Shinga, KZN MEC for Social Development, will discuss GBV activities.
Janine Hills and Leanne Keizer will share their knowledge in corporate responsibility and ethical leadership.
