Press release covering how the Fund accelerates grassroots action through disbursements to high-impact grant partners
The Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund1 is pleased to report the disbursement of critical support funding to four high-impact grant partners. This development is a major leap forward to help end incessant violence against women, children, the elderly, disabled persons and LGBTQIA+ people in South Africa.
Since the President launched the Fund on 4 February last year, it has received pledges worth more than R200m to accelerate action towards ending GBVF in our lifetimes.
The Fund’s support for Intermediary Organisations, Soul City Institute NPC, Sonke Gender Justice, Mikhulu Trust and Social Change Assistance Trust forms part of an initial R69m approved by the Fund’s Board, including much needed funding to 110 qualifying organisations overall. This includes a range of independent community-based organisations, embedded within communities across the country, who are also receiving a share of the funding. The above-mentioned grant partners are a critical support and intervention for community-based organisations that require capacity, training, and technical skills to implement their projects successfully.
Initial funding and project support is being focused on meeting the requirements of Pillars Two (Prevention and Rebuilding Social Cohesion through among others, strengthening delivery capacity and changing behaviour and social norms); and Pillar 3 (Justice, Safety and Protection).
The intermediary organisation grant partners have been chosen for their impressive network of community-based organisations which will assist in maximising reach to rural areas and GBVF Hot Spots, as well as for their commitment to catalyse change through a range of important interventions. They will also be providing much needed mentoring, capability building and project support to less well-established community-based organisations
“These is a significant milestone for the Fund at its first anniversary, demonstrating delivery against its mandate to accelerate funding support to overburdened and under-resourced organisations working hard to fight the scourge of GBVF. While we are able to give hope to survivors through this support, we are encouraged by the possibility of winning this war and creating a better future for the next generation,” says CEO of the GBVF Response Fund1, Lindi Dlamini.
Apart from its numerous existing project support initiatives undertaken in 12 short months, the conclusion of the formal grant partner onboarding and grant payment process ensures real impact can be broadened.
“I am extremely thankful to the benefactors of the Fund for their support – in cash and in kind that are assisting us to fulfil our mandate. It means critical funding will be directed where it is most needed. The funds will go into key grassroots projects, as well as to the intermediaries’ vast networks of community-based interventions and projects, so that a positive impact on the fight against GBVF,” says Dlamini.
Dlamini added that the Fund’s selection processes are underpinned by equitable provincial allocation, allocation to rural and informal areas and being responsive in areas that have been identified as GBVF hotspots
About the intermediary grant partners
Soul City Institute NPC is dedicated to achieving a just and peaceful society based on the principles of equality, feminist leadership, constitutionalism and the rule of law. The organisation has a proven track record in improving the health and wellbeing of young women and girls.
Sonke Gender Justice is another key partner selected for its exceptional work across South Africa, assisting women and men, and engaging boys and girls, to challenge patriarchy, demystify GBV, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation.
Making a real change starts with our children, and Mikhulu Trust is one of the new grant partners with an impressive track record in strengthening young children’s support networks, by delivering quality training, support and materials on evidence-based early childhood development (ECD) interventions. This allows primary caregivers to provide children with nurturing cognitive and socio-emotional support.
Ending GBVF means that all people need to be economically and socially empowered and supported. Social Change Assistance Trust provides financial support, fieldwork, and capacity building to organisations in mostly rural communities in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape and the Free State.
“Donations from corporate South Africa, philanthropic organisation and international development partners to the Fund go to partners like this who, alongside their networks of community-based organisations, make a meaningful difference on the ground, and can help effect intergenerational change,” says Dlamini.
These initiatives are a response to mounting calls from women’s groups, civil society, and the public at large for urgent action to eliminate GBVF in our lifetime.
“The time for talking is over. It is imperative that cross-sections of society come together to take actionable steps in areas where a real impact can be made. Today’s announcement is therefore a very important step in heeding the call to do more,” concludes Dlamini.