Sunrise Campaign South Africa

South Africa has been identified as one of the most dangerous places in the world to be female (New Frame, 2020). GL has conducted baseline research on violence against women (VAW). Showing that over three quarters (77%) of women in Limpopo; 51% of women in Gauteng; 45% of women in the Western Cape and 36% of women in Kwa Zulu Natal report experiencing some form of violence (emotional, economic, physical or sexual) at least once in their lifetime both within and outside their intimate relationships. A higher proportion of men in Gauteng (78%) and Kwa Zulu Natal (41%) than women admitted to perpetrating violence against women in their lifetime.

The current 201 participants in South Africa come from Magareng, Phokwane, Sol Plaatjie and Platfontein in the Northern Cape; Greater Tzaneen and Maruleng in the Northern Cape; Emfuleni and Midvaal in the Northern Cape as well as George and Knysna in the Northern Cape.

The six municipalities in Gauteng and Limpopo formed part of the COE programme. The Northern Cape is new to the programme. In year three GL will work with the councils and women entrepreneurs to implement campaigns popularising the link between economic power and GBV prevention and reduction. The campaign will be accompanied by localised information, education and communications materials and a video that documents the results of the programme. The video illustrating results will be shared with the local councils in the District, the Provincial and National Government to lobby for the inclusion of economic power as a key strategy for GBV prevention and reduction.

In November 2024 the entrepreneurs received R20,000 each from IMS to invest in their business. Local mentors are being identified and trained to support women entrepreneurs. The mentors will record all interactions through a virtual system. The mentorship will continue for the three-year duration of the programme.

Click here for more on earlier campaigns in South Africa