The SAWON Foundation’s upcoming GBV & Leadership Banquet in Durban will tackle systemic justice gaps in GBV cases, honor women leaders, and promote mental health awareness for men, aiming for real solutions and social change.

The Southern Africa Women of Note (SAWON) Foundation is making waves once again with the announcement of its highly anticipated annual GBV & Leadership Banquet Conference, set to take place on November 14, 2024, at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC).

This influential event, aptly themed “Meet. Engage. Inspire,” aims to address the deep-rooted issues surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) in Southern Africa and push for transformative action to close the systemic gaps that have left many victims vulnerable.

The conference promises to bring together a diverse range of prominent women and thought leaders from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, united in their mission to confront these challenges head-on.

This year’s event will focus on the pressing issue of systemic failures within the justice system, specifically how these loopholes continue to expose GBV victims to further harm.

Lucky Mthembu, the CEO of SAWON, spoke candidly about the need to address these gaps, which allow perpetrators to act with impunity, leaving victims without recourse or protection.

“While we live in one of the most progressive justice systems in the world, there are still loopholes that leave victims exposed to a point that they lose their lives in the hands of their abusers,” Mthembu stated.

The reality is that despite the legal framework in place, many women and men who suffer from GBV are still left without support when they come forward to seek justice.

The event seeks to shine a light on these issues and propose actionable solutions to bring about tangible change.

The partnership with the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) brings an added dimension to the conference, with a focus on using scientific data and research to develop solutions-based strategies for tackling GBV.

Mthembu emphasized that this year’s event would adopt a “solutions-driven approach,” based on extensive data and research provided by partners like NFVF, who have been at the forefront of studying the impact of GBV and the effectiveness of current legal processes.

The goal is clear: to create a platform where practical solutions are developed to address the issues, rather than merely discussing the problems.

In addition to the discussions on justice reform and GBV, the Leadership Banquet will be a central highlight of the event, celebrating women who lead by example, promoting family values, and serving as role models in their communities.

This aspect of the conference aims to inspire attendees to take actionable steps in their own lives to combat GBV, with a particular focus on educating the youth.

The Nokuthula Legacy, an initiative founded by Mthembu, will lead efforts to educate high school students about GBV and provide safe spaces for survivors of both genders.

This approach highlights the importance of not only addressing the needs of female survivors but also recognizing the hidden struggles faced by men in relation to GBV and mental health.

Mthembu coined the term “indod’ Ayikhali” (translated as “Tigers don’t cry”) to address the social stigma surrounding male vulnerability. She explained that many men bottle up their emotions out of fear of being ridiculed for showing any sign of weakness.

This cultural norm has contributed to a mental health crisis among men, especially survivors of violence, who often have nowhere to turn for support.

At the conference, this issue will be discussed in depth, with a focus on how to break down the toxic masculinity that prevents men from seeking help and expressing their emotions.

The event will feature several high-profile keynote speakers who are experts in their respective fields and have made significant contributions to the fight against GBV and the promotion of ethical leadership.

Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, the KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, will share insights into empowering rural women through sustainable agriculture, focusing on how economic independence can help reduce women’s vulnerability to violence.

Actor Connie Ferguson, a longstanding advocate for resilience and leadership, will address attendees on how to maintain strength in the face of adversity and lead by example, both in personal life and in professional settings.

Additionally, Mbali Shinga, the KZN MEC for Social Development, will take the stage to discuss the critical role of government initiatives in the fight against GBV.

Her presentation will focus on the effectiveness of current GBV programs and how they can be improved to provide better support for survivors.

Corporate responsibility and ethical leadership will also be central topics at the event, with business experts like Janine Hills and Leanne Keizer offering their expertise on how companies can contribute to tackling GBV through corporate initiatives and community engagement.

The SAWON Foundation’s focus on creating solutions-based strategies and fostering ethical leadership is a direct response to the growing need for a comprehensive approach to combating GBV.

This year’s conference will not only spotlight the women who have fought tirelessly for justice but also serve as a critical forum for discussing the role of men in addressing gender-based violence and mental health.

The discussions at the event will not only impact the way GBV is viewed in Southern Africa but will also contribute to shaping future policy and legal reform.

As the conference draws closer, anticipation is building around the possibility of real, systemic change. The SAWON Foundation’s efforts in tackling these issues reflect the ongoing battle for justice and equity in Southern Africa.

With the combined efforts of activists, policymakers, community leaders, and survivors, the 2024 GBV & Leadership Banquet Conference promises to be a pivotal moment in the region’s continued fight against gender-based violence.

The event will undoubtedly make an impact, encouraging conversations that are long overdue and inspiring a new generation of leaders who are committed to creating a more just, safe, and supportive environment for all.

The inclusion of male voices and the focus on breaking the stigma surrounding men’s emotional health and vulnerability signal a broader, more inclusive approach to tackling GBV that is expected to have far-reaching consequences for South Africa and the SADC region as a whole.

As the conference aims to meet, engage, and inspire, it is clear that it will also drive change—one conversation at a time.