In commemoration of Sexual Abuse Awareness Month, we are embarking on a transformative month-long discussion as we spotlight five remarkable African women whose advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is rewriting the narrative of resilience and justice.
Sexual Abuse Awareness Month is more than just a calendar event, it’s a collective heartbeat of resilience, education, and solidarity. It’s a time when voices that were once silenced rise together to shatter the walls of stigma and shame.
Gender-based violence, an epidemic fueled by systemic inequality, and harmful cultural norms has entrenched gender stereotypes. Physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse form the devastating mosaic of this societal scourge.
These trailblazers are turning trauma into triumph, fear into fierce determination, and silence into a symphony of empowerment.
Penny Lebyane, Veteran broadcaster and Media personality (South Africa)
Penny Lebyane is a revolutionary voice in the entertainment world. As a South African broadcaster and media personality, Penny stands tall as a beacon of hope, courageously tackling Gender-Based violence in an industry where silence is often the norm. Her activism shakes foundations, inspiring systemic change and reminding us that silence equals complicity.
Patricia Kihoro, Actor and TV presenter (Kenya)
Patricia Kihoro, the multi-talented star from Nairobi, Kenya, is a vibrant force in the fight against Gender-Based violence. As a singer, presenter, and actress, Patricia masterfully weaves education into entertainment, using her media platform to amplify the voices of the unheard and bridge gaps in access to critical information.
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (Nigeria)
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi is a powerhouse of change in Nigeria’s fight against Gender-Based violence. As the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, she combines visionary leadership with actionable plans to create safer spaces, implement robust policies, and foster accountability for gender equity.
Thelma Kaliu, feminist leader, gender and development enthusiast (Malawi)
Thelma Kaliu is the embodiment of fearless advocacy in Malawi. This feminist leader and gender equality champion has spent seven years shaping initiatives that empower women and dismantle patriarchal structures. Her work across Sub-Saharan Africa serves as a beacon of hope, emphasising feminist and human rights approaches to build a foundation for lasting change.
Rufaro Chakanetsa, Programs Officer, UNICEF Ghana (Zimbabwe)
Rufaro Chakanetsa is a trailblazer revolutionising community-based innovation to Gender-Based violence. As Programs Officer at UNICEF Ghana, her innovative solutions and advocacy challenge entrenched societal norms, inspiring communities to rewrite narratives that perpetuate harm.
