Earlier this month, we welcomed 25 civil society leaders to Rise Up’s latest Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator program in South Africa. Representing KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng provinces, these visionary leaders are advancing a diverse range of gender equity issues: from ending period poverty and increasing women’s civic participation to addressing the gendered impacts of climate change. Many are tackling gender-based violence through innovative approaches, including expanding economic opportunities for women in domestic violence (DV) shelters and advocating for critical legal reforms in DV cases.
Now that they’ve completed our intensive training, these leaders are eligible to apply for competitive grant funding to launch the advocacy projects they developed during Rise Up’s Accelerator – initiatives aimed at improving education, health care, and economic opportunity for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people throughout South Africa.
We asked three new leaders to reflect on their journey with Rise Up thus far and share how their experience at our training program has shaped their vision and work.
Tracey Malawan, Executive Director/Founder, I_Menstruate Movement
“The Rise Up training deepened my self-awareness and strengthened my ability to collaborate and lead with intention. I refined my advocacy messaging to be clearer and more impactful, and I’m excited to implement the practical tools gained in my work with young activists. It was a powerful space that sharpened both my purpose and strategy.”
Noluthando Mdayi, Co-CEO, Makers Valley Partnership
“Thank you for the incredible opportunity to be part of the Accelerator. The skills and connections I gained during this journey have sharpened my advocacy knowledge and given me the confidence to engage my team on what I have learned. My favorite part of the training was learning from fellow leaders – each story reminded me that we are part of a powerful, global movement for justice.”
Khethiwe Nene, Founder and Operations Manager, Khethi’s Foundation
“The skills and knowledge gained from the training will help me articulate and plan for my advocacy project in the most strategic way. Both the skills and connections made have motivated me to accelerate my advocacy work and be intentional about building a supportive network.”
Stay tuned to learn more about Rise Up’s newest South Africa leaders.
