Building Bridges for Change: Reflections from the 3rd Southern Africa GBV Prevention Forum

Queer activist Thabsie Mabezane reflects on moderating at the 3rd Southern Africa GBV Prevention Forum — where lived experiences helped open hearts and minds.

Participating in the 3rd Southern Africa Gender-Based Violence Prevention Forum was a milestone in my journey as an LGBTQ+ advocate. 

Over three days, from 19–21 August 2025, I had the privilege of engaging with leaders from across our continent, including parliamentarians and ministers from countries where LGBTQ+ people are still marginalised by laws, policies, and social norms.

As a moderator, I not only guided discussions but also shared the lived realities of queer people. To my surprise and encouragement, I witnessed a shift in perspectives. Leaders who might once have dismissed LGBTQ+ concerns began to listen with compassion and understanding. For me, this affirmed the power of storytelling and honest dialogue.

Why This Forum Matters

The Forum was co-hosted by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) and the Southern Africa Trust, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the Australian High Commission in South Africa, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Embassy of Ireland, and the Embassy of Switzerland.

Bringing together survivors, activists, policymakers, civil society, and researchers under the theme “Building Bridges: Strengthening Collaborative Efforts for GBV Prevention and Response in Southern Africa,” the gathering created a vital platform to address the region’s high levels of GBV and femicide.

Its focus on tackling root causes such as patriarchy, systemic inequality, and harmful traditions is especially relevant to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Queer women and gender-diverse people face compounded challenges, often bullied, emotionally and physically abused, or subjected to conversion therapy in attempts to erase who we are. By placing these realities on the table alongside broader GBV concerns, the Forum created visibility and space for inclusive solutions.

Lessons From the Panel

I had the honour of leading a panel that included Hon. Twaambo Muthinta (Member of Parliament in Zambia), Catherine Walaula (Deputy Commissioner of the Namibian Police Force), Lindiwe Nana Dlamini (Ministry of Education and Training, Swaziland), and Mable Chawinga (FEMWISE, Malawi).

Together, we explored the gap between GBV policies and their implementation. Listening to these leaders, I was reminded that while progress is uneven, there is a growing willingness to learn, collaborate, and address the specific vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ people in the region.

Moving Forward

What gives me hope is the response after the forum. Leaders are reaching out to me to continue conversations, request training, and share knowledge about SOGIESC issues. This shift signals that our struggles are being recognized as integral to the broader fight against GBV and inequality.

For me, this Forum was not just about advocacy. It was about building bridges, creating opportunities for solidarity, compassion, and change. I believe lived experiences are powerful tools for overcoming adversity, and I remain hopeful that, together, we can shape a more inclusive and humane Africa.