For change to be reflective of the people, government and those who contribute to it should be representative of its population. Gender links and their innate belief in this idea, continue to press for a more representative government by working to ensure the adoption of affirmative action in both local and national governance structures within Southern Africa. They continue to strategise, network and lobby partners to ensure that their vision becomes a reality.
Gender Links received a grant to enable them to advocate for the adoption of affirmative action in governance structures in seven Southern African countries while ensuring inclusivity for all categories of women with a special focus on young women and women living with disability.
Their project focuses on changing the internal leadership structures of political parties to accommodate women in leadership and also creating a more receptive environment for women at work. It further advocates for the implementation of policies and laws that have already been passed to ensure that women are autonomous and live their lives free of violence. The project is being implemented in Mauritius, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Zambia.
Though the project is a young one, they have already set up a web-based platform that provides the space for women activists to share resources on issues pertaining to gender as well as discuss new strategies, practices and networking. The web based platform includes a blog, discussion forum and other resources.
Their innovative approaches to advocacy as well as their impressive network and their efforts at growing their cache of knowledge, makes Gender links one of our #FacesofAdvocacy.