WE WILL SPEAK OUT SOUTH AFRICA(WWSOSA) is a coalition of faith communities and partners working together to prevent and end sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) across South Africa.

The coalition is the South African chapter of a global coalition that was launched in March 2010.

WWSOSA was launched on the 25th of November 2013, by Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba when he committed the Anglican Communion to break the silence around SGBV in South Africa.

Archbishop Thabo launched the Tearfund research reports, ‘Breaking the Silence’and ‘We will speak out South Africa.’ (www.wewillspeakout.org)

Memberships to WWSOSA is open to all faiths and actors committed to working together to prevent SGBV in South Africa. Survivors of SGBV are invited

to the membership of the coalition.

Our Vision

To prevent and end the impact of sexual and gender based violence across South Africa.

Key Outcomes Faith communities will speak out and act.

Churches will become safe spaces for

survivors

Survivor movements will influence policy

and practice

Men and boys will be involved in ending

SGBV and promoting gender equality.

Faith communities will speak out and actWhat can we do?

Promote the Thursdays in black and UN Orange day campaigns. www.thursdaysinblack.co.za

Share information across local communities and leaders about SGBV in South Africa.

Speak about it in religious services and sermons.

Join the WWSOSA campaign and events during the 16 days of activism every November.

Sign the WWSOSA pledge card and add your name online at: www.wewillspeakout.org

Promote and use the WWSOSA SGBV Church resource.

Inspire and mobilise other leaders to join the coalition.

Faith communities will hold duty bearers accountable for the resourcing and implementation of appropriate policies to prevent sexual violence.

Churches will become safe placesWhat can we do?

Create spaces for safe conversations around harmful cultures, practices that lead to SGBV.

Host and facilitate discussions within faith community and outside.

Connect and build partnerships beyond the faith institution to create safe spaces, work with other key stakeholders and service providers in the community.

Develop SGBV policies to hold their members accountable for their behaviour.

Create a non-judgemental faith environment.

Build a Movement of SurvivorsWhat can we do?

Create safe spaces for survivors to share their experiences. These spaces should be places where there is no stigma and where confidentiality and dignity are upheld.

Understand priorities and needs of male and female survivors.

Offer spaces where survivors can meet regularly as a support group.

Understand the power and importance of the voice of the survivor and support them in advocating for their rights.

Link new survivors into existing survivor support groups.

Enable access to key services and provide safe shelters.

Have a database of service providers in the community.

Engage Men and Boys to Prevent SGBV and Promote Gender Equality

What can we do?

Challenge religious norms and practices that justify the abuse of women and girls.

Educate men and boys about the benefits of more gender equal relationships

Offer training on positive masculinities and servant/transforming leaderships to men and boys in the community.

Create spaces for meaningful dialogue between men and women (including survivors).

Encourage men and boys to be involved in the care ministry in their homes and community.

Profile men in the faith community who live gender equitable lives.