Impact stories from Commitment Makers: Lady of Peace Community Foundation

Photo credit: Lady of Peace Community Foundation (LOPECO)

Impact Stories from Generation Equality Commitment Makers Working in the Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence in ESAR: Lady of Peace Community Foundation (LOPECO)

Honoring Change-Makers: The 16 Actors on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Awards to Empower Communities to Combat GBVF: The 16 Actors on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Awards, spearheaded by the Lady of Peace Community Foundation (LOPECO) in partnership with UN Women and local organizations, have become a powerful catalyst in South Africa's fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide (GBVF). Launched in response to the surge in GBVF, the initiative honors individuals and organizations working at the grassroots level to combat these issues.

The EVAWG Awards are a vital component of the UNiTE by 2030 Campaign, advocating for global action to end violence against women and girls. Since its inception, the initiative has recognized 32 community actors across four South African provinces: Gauteng, Western Cape, Northwest, and KwaZulu-Natal boosting awareness, activism, and concrete steps toward ending GBVF. More than 68% of awardees are women survivors of GBVF, whose initiatives have been empowered with R16,000 grants, enabling them to expand their work and gain broader visibility and networking opportunities.

Through capacity-building workshops, awardees have gained vital skills in advocacy, leadership, and mobilization, enhancing their ability to drive change within their communities. The awards have also encouraged greater male involvement in the conversation around gender equality and GBVF challenging traditional norms and making men allies in the fight against GBVF. Many awardees have organized dialogues and support groups for men and boys, encouraging their active participation in preventing GBVF. This focus on male engagement is proving transformative, with many communities seeing a shift in traditional gender norms. Notable outcomes from the awards include new campaigns, peace dialogues, educational workshops, and mental health support groups. These initiatives have helped to create safer spaces and address the root causes of violence in communities. Some awardees have gone on to lead community mediation workshops, promoting domestic peace and strengthening community ties.

LOPECO’s ongoing support, including partnerships with mental health professionals and continued awareness campaigns, ensures that awardees’ efforts remain sustainable and impactful. The program's success highlights the importance of collaboration between civil society, government, and local organizations to create a lasting movement for gender equality. The 16 Actors awards are also a critical part of building sustained, community-driven movements to end GBVF and promote gender equality. Bishop Michael Mtshali, a 2022 awardee, reflects:

This award has opened doors for me in my community, and I am now one of the most recognised people in Tembisa that help bring peace and change. With the award, I was able to help my community and help my family out -  Bishop Michael Mtshali.

Looking ahead, the initiative’s potential to expand across Southern Africa and integrate into national GBVF prevention strategies promises to scale its impact, driving long-term change in the region. The awards are not just about awarding individuals but building a sustained, community-driven force for gender equality and the elimination of GBVF.