Over 20,000 individuals from all walks of life had their voices heard amid 16 Days of Activism for No Violence—from survivors to at-risk youth. Here’s what their many perspectives have taught South Africa.
South Africa (15 December 2024) — During this year’s 16 Days of Activism for no Violence, award-winning, social upliftment non-profit Khulisa Social Solutions and 30 partner NGOs engaged with more than 20,000 individuals from all walks of life and from all over South Africa in a series of workshops.
The idea was to bring together survivors of violence, at-risk youth, struggling families, frontline social workers and even former offenders to learn their stories, hear their perspectives and understand their challenges.
In spaces where people are viewed as people with individual experiences and not merely statistics, the organisations hope that the way to a South Africa free from violence could become more tangible.
Here’s what 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Taught 20,000 People and South Africa
Diverse Experiences Must Be Heard
Social empathy means moving beyond sympathy to truly understanding the systemic, cultural, and historical factors that shape people’s realities. But, if we do not hear diverse experiences, how can we exercise empathy?
“Throughout these 16 days, we saw how judgment and misunderstanding deepen societal divides, while empathy builds bridges,” Dr Lesley Ann van Selm, Khulisa legend, shared on behalf of the team.
“We met survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) trapped in cycles of abuse due to financial dependence, societal pressure, or fear. Instead of asking, ‘Why don’t they leave?’, we must ask, ‘What keeps them trapped, and how can we help?’
“We spoke with youth caught in cycles of crime and violence who are dismissed as “delinquent” or “troubled.” Their struggles reveal how poverty, violence, and a lack of opportunity lead them down these paths. They need support, not labels.
“We encountered families grappling with addiction and mental trauma, often stigmatized and isolated. These families don’t need judgment; they need understanding, resources, and community support.
“We listened to frontline social workers and community leaders who tirelessly support vulnerable individuals while facing their own emotional challenges. Their work is invaluable, yet often overlooked without a culture of empathy.”
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Empathy Transforms Lives and Communities
It became ever prevalent for participants that empathy is the ultimate transformer.
“When we replace judgement with understanding, we amplify voices instead of silencing them. When we practice inclusion, we foster safety and trust instead of perpetuating isolation. Systemic change begins not with assumptions but with listening to the realities people face.”
The organisation added that to achieve this empathy, providing platforms for storytelling, healing, and empowerment is paramount.
Consistency is Key
While Khulisa agrees that 16 Days of Activism is a crucial platform for awareness, true change requires ongoing effort.
“South Africa’s challenges—gender-based violence, youth crime, substance abuse, and inequality—cannot be solved in 16 days,” the team reflect. “They demand continuous dedication to understanding, supporting, and uplifting those who are marginalised.”
About Khulisa Social Solutions
Khulisa Social Solutions is an award-winning non-profit that understands the power of empowering underprivileged South Africans through dialogue. They have played a helping hand in promoting peace in Alexandra, have supported the Streetscapes Project and are behind the Sustainable Livelihood Programmes amid many more incredible efforts toward social upliftment.
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