The Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Council Chamber buzzed with energy on July 22-23, 2024, as leaders from various sectors gathered for their Leadership Design Workshop. This event, held in collaboration with Future Families SASA Training, brought together a dynamic mix of participants, including the Municipal Manager, Senior Manager: CSS, representatives from the Traditional Authority, developmental partners, civil society organizations, sector departments, the private sector, faith-based organizations, the youth council, and the disability forum. Their collective mission? To address the pressing issues surrounding Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) through setting up their 100-Day Challenge.

The workshop kicked off with a unique “buddy self-introduction” session. Paired participants shared what they loved about their work and the most critical challenges they believed needed addressing. This exercise fostered a sense of camaraderie and laid the foundation for open, honest dialogue. As participants moved between different perspectives, a shared set of priorities emerged, creating a safe space for interaction and collaborative problem-solving.

The session was facilitated by a skilled representative from Future Families, alongside the End GBVF 100-Day Challenge Ambassador. Their approach was highly interactive and deliberative, designed to spark meaningful conversations and drive action.

A key highlight was the introduction of three team coaches who will provide ongoing support to the 100-Day Challenge teams. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of selecting committed team members who can drive the initiative forward. Attendees were encouraged to choose front-line leaders, those closest to the GBVF issues, to ensure the most effective solutions are developed.

In a powerful moment of unity, 16 team members from diverse sectors were nominated and accepted the challenge to be a part of the team. The newly formed team agreed to focus on NSP Pillars 2, 4, and 5, which encompass critical aspects of the GBVF response. They committed to identifying impact indicators based on the current status quo for each pillar and integrating these into their goals and work plans.

This Leadership Design Workshop wasn’t just another meeting – it was a pivotal point for change. With a strong, diverse team now in place and a clear plan of action, Ba-Phalaborwa is poised to make significant strides towards ending GBVF. The 100-Day Challenge has officially taken off, and the journey toward a safer, more equitable community has begun. Stay tuned as we track the progress and celebrate the milestones achieved by these dedicated leaders.