Class Memo of Sonke Gender Justice

Memo To: Dr. John Harris Cc: From: Emily Fitzsimmons Date: February 7, 2019 Subject: This memo discusses the mission, operations, and quality of the non-governmental organization Sonke; moreover, it entails suggestions on how to work alongside Sonke in our community.

Executive Summary Based on my research and analysis of the South African non-governmental organization (NGO) Sonke Gender Justice, I recommend collaborating with the organization in improving this community’s gender relations and rights. Sonke Gender Justice, also known as just Sonke, mostly operates in South Africa; however, the group also has a strong national and international presence, particularly in advocacy and policy (Sonke Gender Justice Annual). As a feminist NGO, Sonke’s mission is to promote equality, health, well-being, and positive relationships between women, men, and children. Sonke carries out this vision through their “Spectrum of Change” strategy; this method entails taking many different actions with many different partners in order to create lasting change in large numbers of diverse people (THINKTEAM). This approach is significant because it recognizes the complexity of the crises sourced in gender norms, and this revelation leads to more effective solutions. Ranging from international to local impact, Sonke executes projects in policy creation, regional networking, social advocacy, research, operational improvement, sexual health and rights, women and children’s rights, and non-violent parenting. As advocates for the following groups, Sonke considers themselves accountable to “women, sexual minorities, young people, refugees, migrants and other relevant stakeholders.” The unnamed stakeholders consist of Sonke’s project partners as well as the donors that fund the organization. Sonke’s donors list is lengthy, including fellow NGOs, universities, and international governments (THINKTEAM). Sonke maintains a relationship with the South African national government in two ways: First, the South African national government is one of Sonke’s donors, and, second, Sonke actively lobbies, provides expertise, and sues political leaders and departments (Sonke Gender Justice Annual 9). Therefore, Sonke holds the national government accountable as well. As for its relationship with local communities, Sonke employs fifty community action teams that go in the field to teach local leaders and families about gender relations, gender inequality, HIV/AID health, and other related subjects (8). Currently, Sonke focuses more on national and international levels of advocacy, particularly in the media, than on local projects.

Even so, this ability to work on international, national, and local levels as well as its media prowess are both key strengths in this NGO (Sonke Gender Justice Annual 12). Their “Spectrum of Change” approach is also one of Sonke’s strengths, if not the most important one.

Another strength is the organization’s willingness to cater to others’ beliefs and cultures by partnering with religious and traditional leaders (13). Sonke’s final major strength is its selfimprovement and transparency, which was utilized in response to the organization’s largest weakness (10). Surprisingly, Sonke’s greatest weakness was an employee reported multiple times

for sexual harassment, even at a Sonke-organized event (Collison)! This scandal raises concerns on the validity of Sonke’s employees. I recommend inquiring how thorough Sonke’s background check is. Additionally, I would ask for details about the general hiring process and the qualifications employees must meet. Lastly, I suggest asking Sonke how closely they monitor their workers, especially during field work. Because of flaws such as this, it is crucial that leaders in the community participate in the activities so that they may detect any misbehavior from the NGO employees. Even so, I still recommend working with and supporting Sonke, as that was the only major issue I found with the organization. In order to allow Sonke to impact this community most effectively, we should communicate directly with the organization to ensure its needs are met. For instance, we may need to provide space and supplies for their activities; additionally, we should encourage individuals in the community to participate in this program. My research indicates that Sonke’s approach is diverse and productive; this NGO also seems well organized and thorough. Therefore, I recommend our cooperation because Sonke is likely to positively affect the issues rooted in gender relations in our community.

Context and Research Though NGOs have been present for much longer, these institutions became increasingly active in the 1980s due to governments’ inadequacies in handling international crises. Since then, NGOs have remained a strong force in development around the world. However, NGOs follow an infinite number of beliefs and strategies; moreover, some NGOs are more effective, credible, and ethical than others. Therefore, before accepting aid from an NGO, communities should always research the group’s mission, operations, relationships, and reputation. In this case, the NGO under consideration is Sonke Gender Justice, or just Sonke. This memo’s purpose is to provide facts about Sonke’s tenets, activities, and stakeholders. Furthermore, the memo discusses Sonke’s strengths and weaknesses as well as my concerns, questions, and recommendations regarding the organization. Because Sonke is a relatively new NGO at thirteen years old, I focused my research on electronic sources. I also chose this method of research in order to get the most recent information possible. Sonke employs an extremely active media department, so most of my results originated from Sonke, including their annual report and general website.

However, in order to avoid a biased analysis, I also searched for articles involving Sonke from outside sources. Based off these sources, I conclude that Sonke is a positive and productive NGO with which we should work; however, our community leaders should still closely monitor Sonke’s activities and interactions with community members.

Sonke’s Mission Established in 2006, Sonke Gender Justice is a non-partisan, non-profit NGO based in South Africa. Most of their work takes place in South Africa, but the organization performs some projects throughout Africa as well as maintains international connections (Sonke Gender Justice Annual). Sonke’s mission statement is to encourage “equitable, healthy, and happy relationships that contribute to the development of just and democratic societies” for women, men, and children everywhere. Behind this statement lies a variety of operational goals, such as promoting and empowering women, collaborating with other feminists, educating males on damaging gender norms, engaging women and men in improving gender relations, responding to gender inequality in society and government, and addressing issues men face as well (THINKTEAM).

Including men in the movement for women’s rights is a necessary component of progress that is often overlooked, but this concept is deeply embedded in Sonke’s core beliefs. This practice can

help curtail toxic masculinity, which, coupled with other measures by Sonke, would reduce domestic and gender-based violence, unequal distribution of familial responsibilities, child marriage, prostitution, spread of HIV/AIDS, and more.

Sonke’s Operations One of the themes I found in my research was Sonke’s “Spectrum of Change” strategy; this approach includes executing a wide range of actions and collaborating with a wide range of partners (THINKTEAM). The strength of this multi-faceted method is that it recognizes the complexity of the issue as well as the diverse peoples, ideas, and societies involved, thus asserting that such a convoluted problem requires a kaleidoscope of solutions. For one, Sonke seeks to impact several levels of society, including government policy and performance, cultural beliefs, community bodies, familial culture, and media. Additionally, Sonke coordinates with a wide variety of partners, like “women’s rights organisations, social movements, trade unions, government departments, sports associations, faith-based organisations, media organisations, university research units, and human rights advocates.” Regarding Sonke’s actions, the NGO promotes feminist policy, educates communities, networks internationally, communicates strategies for social change, as well as trains individuals, partners, and Sonke employees in project implementation. Sonke achieves these goals with about ten teams of employees, each with a different focus, as well as a management unit consisting of members of those teams. An example of such a team is the Children’s Rights & Positive Parenting Unit, which advocates for healthier family relationships; another example is the Community Education & Mobilisation Unit, which hosts activities in local communities to teach them about gender dynamics.

Moreover, this NGO has a board of directors composed of five women with backgrounds in female and children advocacy, HIV/AIDS, and other aid organizations (THINKTEAM).

As part of the organization’s “Spectrum of Change” approach, Sonke’s projects cover a wide range of issues in South Africa. As mentioned before, Sonke implements projects advocating for children’s rights and better parenting. One such project is the MenCare Fatherhood Campaign and related programs; partnered with the South African government and the NGO Promundo, Sonke is training social workers in handling gender relations as well as promoting domestic balance and non-violent parenting (Sonke Gender Justice Annual 14).

Another project, focused on preventing gender-based violence, is the SafeRide Campaign, which is engaging taxi drivers in reducing the potential dangers women face when they ride in a taxi, such as rape and murder (24). In my research, I also found numerous articles showcasing Sonke’s advocacy in the media. Just since last July, the NGO has released negative statements about politician Mduduzi Manana, Reverend Vukile Mehana, and the organization Black First Land First for sexist remarks and gender-based violence (Mitchley; Khumalo; “Sonke Gender Justice Condemns”). On the local level, Sonke has developed community action teams (CATs) to work under their Community Education and Mobilisation Unit. With fifty of these CATs in rural and urban areas throughout South Africa, Sonke hosts workshops and advocacy events to advance women’s rights, gender relations, and local activism (Sonke Gender Justice Annual 8).

These are simply a few of Sonke’s projects; other types of projects fall under policy development, research, social advocacy, operational development, reproductive health and rights, and regional networking (THINKTEAM). This method of action and partnership allows Sonke to impact many different people in assorted situations with the organization’s message.

Sonke’s Relationships According to the NGO’s website, Sonke is accountable to “women, sexual minorities, young people, refugees, migrants and other relevant stakeholders” in Sonke’s operation (THINKTEAM). I agree with this assertion, as Sonke’s mission and actions confirm that the organization is a representative and advocate for all these demographics. However, the group also has a plethora of other entities not mentioned in that inspirational statement that hold Sonke accountable. First, Sonke is accountable to its project partners, such as Promundo, the MenEngage Alliance, and the South African government. The organization is also accountable to its donors, which is how Sonke is funded. Similarly, its donors include other NGOs, like Save the Children, universities, such as the University of Witwatersrand, as well as governments, including that of South Africa, Australia, Sweden, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States (THINKTEAM).

In addition to the government holding Sonke accountable, this NGO holds its national government accountable, too. Sonke regularly lobbies to the government and provides expertise to those drafting policy. Furthermore, Sonke actively holds leaders, including politicians and entire governmental departments, accountable via lawsuits (Sonke Gender Justice Annual 9). For example, Sonke won a lawsuit against the South African government over the inhumane living conditions in the Pollsmoor Remand Detention Facility (26). Fortunately, the South African government’s status as a donor to Sonke does not make it exempt from the organization’s standards. As a result, I’m sure many politicians dislike Sonke’s relationship with their national government, but it is a relationship that is productive in implementing societal change on both ends. My research indicates that as time has passed, Sonke’s relationship with local communities is still present but not as strong as when the organization began in 2006. Currently, Sonke employs fifty CATs to educate local families and leaders around the nation about gender inequality and dynamics, HIV/AID health, and other topics (8). Granted, they are active on the local level, but, as per the typical evolution of an NGO, Sonke’s main focus has shifted from local development to advocacy on the national and international levels.

Sonke’s Strengths & Weakness Sonke possesses several strengths that stand out in the foreign aid industry. First and foremost is the organization’s “Spectrum of Change” strategy, which responds to many issues with many solutions. On that note, another one of Sonke’s strength is its ability to work on local, national, and international levels. Granted, the amount of participation in each is not equal; however, engaging even a little bit can make a significant difference. Moreover, Sonke is technologically fit and utilizes many avenues of media in order to reach as many people as possible and build awareness (Sonke Gender Justice Annual 12). Also, though not affiliated with a religion or specific tradition, Sonke realizes the importance of both in many people’s lives. As a result, Sonke partners with religious and traditional leaders to cater to others’ beliefs and cultures, which is an ethical and effective practice (13). Lastly, Sonke practices self-improvement and transparency. The NGO employs its own team called the Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit that applies those actions to the projects associated with Sonke. Even better, this process is not solely internalized; Sonke also partners with researchers from several renown universities from around the globe to ensure that the organization’s facts are up to date and projects sufficient during and after implementation (10). Sonke also publishes the results in their newsletters and annual reports, which indicates its transparency.

However, Sonke is not without its weaknesses. Its most prevalent flaw is an employee who was reported several times by multiple people for sexual harassment. He was dismissed in 2015, though the first report was in 2009 at a Sonke-run workshop (Collison). The whole point of Sonke is to prevent this behavior, yet this did not impede one of its own employees from participating. This indicates a weakness in their hiring process and their own sexual misconduct policy at the time, which has since been intensively updated. Even so, this event further proves their values of transparency and communication because the organization published an article sharing what they had learned from the experience, so other NGOs could better react to such situations (Sonke Gender Justice Team).

Future Action After research and analysis of Sonke’s goals and operations, I recommend cooperating with this NGO. Sonke has worthy causes regarding gender relations and living conditions; its strategies for change seem diverse and effective, and its structural organization appears to be well-thought out. I believe Sonke has a strong potential to benefit all genders, families, and possibly minorities in our community. However, given Sonke’s previous employee who sexually harassed multiple people, I am concerned with the validity of their employees. Upon further communication, I suggest asking Sonke how extensive employee background checks are as well as about the hiring process. Additionally, I would ask how closely Sonke monitors their workers’ professional behavior, particularly during local level field work. Despite this concern, I still recommend supporting Sonke because – though that is a serious issue that should not be overlooked – that scandal was the sole blight on its record that I could find. In general, the organization seems transparent, active, thoughtful, and thorough.

As with all organizations and events, it is important to oversee the NGO’s performance closely. I suggest establishing direct and clear communication with Sonke to ensure its CAT has all the resources necessary to be most effective in the community. This may include providing spaces to hold activities, encouraging community members to actively participate, or furnishing supplies. In addition to our support, our community leaders should involve themselves with Sonke’s program in order to ensure the NGO is acting as promised. Though the intention of most NGOs is to improve quality of life in some way, each one has its own shortcomings, whether there is underlying paternalism, ineffective employees, poor strategies, lack of resources, or corruption. NGOs can be a valuable resource and partner in community betterment, but we must still be vigilant and hold them accountable for misbehavior.

Works Cited Collison, Carl. “No ‘Culture of Silence,’ Says Sonke.” Mail & Guardian, Mail & Guardian Online, 15 June 2018, https://mg.co.za/article/2018-06-15-00-no-culture-of-silence-sayssonke. Accessed 4 February 2019.

Khumalo, Juniour. “More Trouble for Controversial Methodist Pastor.” City Press, 24.com, 13 Jan. 2019. https://city-press.news24.com/News/more-trouble-for-controversial-methodistpastor-20190112. Accessed 4 February 2019.

Mitchley, Alex. “Sonke Gender Justice Disappointed by NPA Decision Not to Prosecute Manana.” News24, 24.com, 25 July 2018, https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/sonke-gender-justice-disappointed-by-npadecision-not-to-prosecute-manana-20180725. Accessed 4 February 2019.

Sonke Gender Justice Annual Report 2016/17. Sonke Gender Justice, 27 Nov. 2017, file:///C:/Users/Emily%20Fitzsimmons/Desktop/SPRING%202019/RCPL %204970%20001/Sonke-Annual-Report-2016-2017.pdf. Accessed 4 February 2019.

“Sonke Gender Justice Condemns Escalation of ‘Violent Political Rhetoric and Posturing.’”

News24, 24.com, 14 Dec. 2018, https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/sonkegender-justice-condemns-escalation-of-violent-political-rhetoric-and-posturing20181214. Accessed 4 February 2019.

Sonke Gender Justice Team. “Sexual Harassment: We Need to Strengthen Systems to Hold Ourselves Accountable.” Daily Maverick, 29 May 2018, https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-05-29-sexual-harassment-we-need-tostrengthen-systems-to-hold-ourselves-accountable/. Accessed 4 February 2019.

THINKTEAM. Sonke Gender Justice. n.d., https://genderjustice.org.za/. Accessed 4 February 2019.