Global: The power of allies in these times

Some moments don’t just pass through our lives—they tattoo themselves onto our souls, inked in emotion, purpose, and the undeniable weight of history, the present moment and our destiny.

Moments that reignite our fire, strengthen our resolve, and remind us exactly why we refuse to back down in the fight for justice.

One such moment for me, came when we stepped through the gates of the British High Commission in Pretoria. It wasn’t just another visit—it was a day charged with purpose, filled with learning, and overflowing with inspiration. And let’s be honest, it also came with top-tier snacks and air-conditioning that felt like a personal apology from the universe for the unbearable heat outside. Kwakutshisa nyani bangani! (It was really hot outside my friends!)

As WOSSO Fellows, we had the extraordinary privilege of meeting High Commissioner Anthony Phillipson and his esteemed team—Ms Claire, Louise, and Chule. And let’s not forget the real MVPs: the security personnel at the gate, who welcomed us with warm smiles; the incredible staff who prepared those fresh snacks (truly, culinary heroes); and, of course, the life-saving water that did the Lord’s work on that sweltering day.

Walking into the Commission’s halls, I felt a mix of history’s weight and the promise of possibility—like stepping onto the set of a diplomatic thriller, but with better snacks and significantly less espionage.

The world isn’t exactly known for rolling out the red carpet for those who challenge injustice—in fact, it usually trips us on the way in. But in the halls of the British High Commission, something different happened. Surrounded by allies who actually listened (a rare and precious thing), I felt an unshakable sense of hope.

It wasn’t just a meeting—it was a moment of recognition. Not just of our struggles, but of our power as young African women fighting for human rights and gender justice.

The High Commissioner and his team didn’t just welcome us on this day; they made us feel valued, heard, and seen—not as guests, but as changemakers. And let’s be real, in a world that often tries to shake us, that space reminded us of one thing: we are the rock. And if the world thinks it can move us, well… it better come with some serious equipment.

And then came another divinely orchestrated moment. I had the opportunity to present my WOSSO Fellow Advocacy Plan—a labor of love deeply rooted in my rural village of Ndofela in the Eastern Cape. But let’s be honest, this was never just a presentation. It was a rallying cry, a love letter to the women whose voices too often go unheard, a moment to pushback against the pushback. This was a moment for a bold declaration that change isn’t just possible—it’s already in motion.

Now, let’s be real—I worked on this speech. I told myself, “Ntombi, you better go in there and let the Commissioner and his team know their support isn’t just appreciated—it’s transformative. They’re not just funding a program; they’re backing changemakers, igniting movements, shaping the future. Make it land girl!”

And land it did. So much so that, in my revolutionary zeal, I may or may not have addressed the British High Commissioner as “Comrade Commissioner.” (Yes, that happened. No regrets. Sisonke, Commissioner! We move!)

But bangani, how could I not be fired up when seated among such powerhouses of change? To my left, the trailblazing Mme Athaliah Molokomme—former Attorney General of Botswana and a lifelong champion of women’s rights, whose leadership has shaped policies and broken barriers across the continent and beyond. And just a seats down, in the third chair from mine, the indomitable Mama Colleen Lowe Morna—veteran journalist, gender justice warrior, and Special Advisor to GenderLinks, whose fearless advocacy has transformed narratives and institutions alike.

These are not just names; these are institutions. Women who have carried the torches of justice long before some of us even realized there were torches to be carried.

To be in their presence was to witness a legacy of leadership in motion—and to realize, with a mix of awe and responsibility, that I was now part of it. Ndinyathela apho benyathele khona—I walk proudly in their footsteps. Ngoba kakade indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili. This isiZulu proverb reminds us that the path is learned from those who have walked it before us.

And what a path they have carved! One of resistance, resilience, and undeniable triumph. Seated at that table, I felt the weight of their legacy, but even more, I felt the power of our collective rising. Because, oh yes, we are rising—boldly, unapologetically, and with just the right dose of revolutionary humor.

The WOSSO Fellowship has been a game-changer for me, providing young women’s rights advocates like myself with the platform, knowledge, and support to navigate the sometimes chaotic world of human rights advocacy.

In a climate where gender equality and basic human rights seem increasingly under attack, the program has given us a much-needed space to sharpen our skills and make our voices heard at the highest levels of advocacy.

A huge thank you to High Commissioner Anthony Phillipson and his exceptional team for their unwavering support and commitment to gender equality. Their solidarity with the WOSSO Fellows and GenderLinks is more than just diplomatic; it’s a powerful reminder of what true allyship looks like in action.

The Commission’s dedication to amplifying women’s voices and championing human rights isn’t just a nice gesture — it’s a beacon of hope in times when pushback against women’s rights and basic human rights is louder than ever. Thanks to allies like them, we keep moving forward, confident that we’re not in this fight alone.

During our visit, I also had the pleasure (and honor) to chat with the Commission’s communications team to discuss the state of women’s rights advocacy. Women across Africa still face systemic barriers, and advocacy efforts are often met with resistance — and this includes traditional and cultural spaces where progress is seen as a threat. But let’s be clear — the resilience of African women? Unshakable.

The WOSSO program doesn’t just equip us to advocate—it empowers us to challenge the status quo and influence the policies and decisions that affect women’s rights. Through global forums, we’re not just amplifying our voices—we’re actively shaping the conversation around gender equality and standing firm against the pushback.

The impact of this engagement extends beyond us as the WOSSO Fellows—our communities benefit from the knowledge and strategies we bring back home, creating ripple effects of change.

Our conversations with the High Commissioner reaffirmed the significance of global partnerships in advancing women’s rights. The UK’s commitment to supporting women’s advocacy efforts in South Africa and beyond is a testament to the power of international solidarity.

In times of growing backlash against human rights, such allyship becomes even more critical in ensuring that the momentum towards gender equality is not lost. Their investment in this cause is not just political — it is personal, and it is deeply felt by all of us who work tirelessly for a better, more just world.

As I reflect on this remarkable experience, I am filled with gratitude — for the WOSSO Fellowship, for the women who paved the way before us, and for the allies who stand with us in this fight.

We walk forward knowing that change is possible, and that together, we can dismantle the barriers that seek to silence us. The journey continues, and we will not be deterred.

We continue the march towards justice. Camagu.

(Written by Zintle Khobeni De Lange, a WOSSO Fellow.)