GRIT - Gender Rights in Tech (Formerly Kwanele South Africa)

As I reflect on 2024, it has been the hardest year I’ve faced – both personally and professionally. This year marked three years since I founded GRIT - Gender Rights in Tech (Formerly Kwanele South Africa), and through many lessons, I am proud to say the organization has grown from strength to strength, gaining international recognition for our work. None of this would have been possible without the incredible GRIT team. My gratitude begins with them – their resilience, passion, and dedication continue to inspire me. A heartfelt thank you to our donors, board, partners, volunteers and mentors who pushed us to grow and to the amazing individuals who generously shared their time, knowledge, and networks. GRIT embodies Ubuntu – we are because you are. But I won’t sugarcoat it – 2024 came with deep challenges. Leading a women’s rights organization brings immense responsibility. This year has been a masterclass in leadership, tech, and motherhood. As a single parent to four children, I’ve navigated the complex intersections of career, family, and societal expectations. The unspoken (and often loud) judgments about what I should be as a mother and professional have been eye-opening. It’s clear we still have a long road ahead to build spaces where women can pursue both professional excellence and personal fulfillment without compromise. While I am under no misconceptions that 2025 will be easier, let’s keep pushing boundaries and building futures where women lead apologetically. Shamryn Brittan Kwenzokuhle S. Khoza Ronel Monet Koekemoer Lebogang Francis Sindani Zanele Sokatsha

Really appreciate Meta and Chinny Francis for giving us this platform to showcase our work.

As we close our doors until the 13th of January, please know we’re just a panic button away and our support line 072 737 8819 will be available (all holiday period) for you to call for support if you need it. Your safety matters, and we’re here for you. More work awaits, and together with collective action, we will continue to make a lasting impact in the challenge against gender-based violence all year round in 2025! The information you may need: 💻 Head to our website at www.grit-gbv.org to reach out or DM us 📲 Download our safety, reporting and evidence-storing app (GRIT app) on Google Play or Apple Store 💙 Donate by clicking the link in our bio to support survivors we work with #wrapupnext #grit #endofyear #closing #love #festiveseason #happynewyear #goodbye2024 #hello2025 #endgbv #gratitude #thankyou #holidaybreak

GRIT was recently on Cape Talk! ⬇️ This is a must-listen snippet for insights into our work and our innovative solutions to GBV support. Cape Talk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King and GRIT’s Ronel Monet Koekemoer discussed tackling gender-based violence through our technology-based solutions, our recent Africa Tech Award win, and the exciting upcoming deployment of our AI chatbot, Zuzi. Listen here for the full interview ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dT7fnkjw #grit #techforgood #podcast #interview #capetalk #endgbv #genderbasedviolence #support #snippet

GRIT had the privilege of engaging with Voice of our Voices VOOV, an Eswatini-based organization dedicated to advocating for sex worker rights. Our workshop focused on utilizing GRIT’s tech solutions to enhance support systems for sex workers. Here's what we gathered: 🌐 Tech for Support: We explored innovative ways to utilize our GRIT mobile app and Zuzi chatbot, emphasizing confidential reporting and streamlined access to support services for sex workers in Eswatini. 🤝 Skill Sharing: VOOV enriched our advocacy strategies with their invaluable insights, emphasizing their crucial role in championing sex worker rights. 📊 Data-Driven Solutions: We collected essential data to help ensure our technology meets the specific needs of the sex worker community. 🌍 Building Community Responses: Our efforts are a significant step towards creating sustainable, long-term solutions to the challenges of GBV and stigma faced by sex workers. We are inspired by the potential of our continued partnership and eagerly anticipate expanding our efforts in Eswatini! 💙 Become a partner. Are you interested in partnering with us in 2025? Email info@grit-gbv.org to explore collaboration opportunities and join us in making a significant impact. #grit #techforgood #lovealliance #powerful #collaboration #support #endgbv #gbvsupport #update #eswatini #communitydriven #community #southafrica

➡️ Legal Internship Opportunity for 2025 at GRIT We are seeking a dedicated Legal Intern to join our team for a 12-month virtual internship, starting immediately. You will work closely with our team to provide justice support to survivors of gender-based violence. To Apply: Please email your CV and a cover letter to leonora@grit-gbv.org 💬 Learn more about us: www.grit-gbv.org 💙  Please share this with your network! This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and contribute to supporting survivors of gender-based violence. #opportunity #legalintern #internship #law #2025 #endgbv #genderbasedviolence #techforgood #share #network

GRIT in Action! Take a look at some of the impactful initiatives we've engaged in through photos from our #16DaysOfActivism 1. Sunday Times Feature by Claire Keeton 🗞️ GRIT was spotlighted showcasing our trailblazing work in GBV prevention. Proud to share our story on such a prestigious platform! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dbB5wpPn 2. Launch of Survivor-Centered Space in Mitchell's Plain 🎉 We celebrated the launch of a brand-new survivor-centered space in Mitchell's Plain as part of our collaboration with Afribiz Foundation. A major step forward in providing compassionate and effective support for survivors. 3. Planting Seeds of Peace! Zanele Sokatsha and Eldim were honored to take part in the Rotary Action for Peace event, advocating for non-violence and unity through service. 4. On Air with Heart! Ronel Monet Koekemoer had the incredible opportunity to join Heart FM, sharing how GRIT supports survivors with our groundbreaking tech solutions. Tune in to hear how we're driving change and offering hope through innovation! 5. Voices of Change! Our very own Tech Support Liaison, Lebogang Francis Sindani, inspired many at the Sohl Deevuhs panel in Johannesburg, discussing the intersection of technology and social justice. 🌍 At GRIT, we work tirelessly every day of the year to combat GBV and provide tech-based solutions that support survivors. Want to partner with us? Email info@grit-gbv.org or shamryn@grit-gbv.org to get involved! #techforgood #updates #photos #community #collaboration #16daysofactivism #365daysofactivism #genderrightsintech #activism

🌍 This #internationalhumanrightsday, and on the last day of the #16daysofactivism, we confront the violence that often begins where safety should be guaranteed: at home. Femicide by family members is not just a statistic; it's a daily, devastating reality. It’s time to dismantle the norms that perpetuate violence in our most personal spaces. 🏠 Non-violence is a human right. Safety is a human right. Let's champion these rights by creating safer environments for women everywhere. 📢 If you or someone you know is facing danger, do not hesitate to reach out. GRIT is here to support you. 💙 Download our GRIT Immediate Panic and Evidence Storage App available on Google Play or the Apple Store. 💙 Connect with us on our WhatsApp helpline at 072 737 8819. Help is just a message away. Let's stand together for a world where home is a haven, not a hazard. #humanrights #16daysofactivism #endgbv #grit #16daysofactivismagainstgenderbasedviolence #endgbv #support #ipv #intimatepartnerviolence #DomesticViolenceAwareness #gbvsupport

Some exciting news! In collaboration with the Afribiz Foundation and Orange Shield Initiative, we have started to launch a pivotal campaign during #16daysofactivism, which will continue to expand into the next year: 🚀 Strategic Start: Our collaborative initiative began with Mitchell's Plain, setting the stage for integrating the GRIT App in Cape Town's police stations and educating officers about our tech. This marks the first of many steps to enhance GBV response capabilities across the region. 🛡️ Orange Shield Initiative: With this collaboration, we are revitalizing Survivor Safe Rooms across South Africa, creating secure and confidential spaces for GBV survivors to receive immediate support. This campaign aims to restore dignity and provide essential services where they are most needed. 📱 Tech Empowerment: The GRIT App will offer survivors real-time access to critical services, supporting them to take steps toward safety and recovery. This partnership with Afribiz is just the beginning. We are committed to extending this initiative beyond the 16 Days of Activism and into the next year, continuously working to create safer, more supportive environments for all survivors. Watch this space as we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact! #16daysofactivismagainstgenderbasedviolence #grit #thegritapp #afribiz #endgbv #techforgood #techforall #survivor #share #southafrica #partnership #collaboration #networking

📢 On the first day of the WeProtect Global Alliance "2024 Global Summit to create a safer digital world, free from child sexual exploitation and abuse for future generations" the Digital Futures for Children centre (DFC) launches a new report which we hope will contribute to the summit's important discussions. 💡 Drawing on new research with key experts, we identify six guiding principles to help diverse stakeholders build consensus and improve responses to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA): 1️⃣ 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: children's perspectives and experiences must be central to decision-making, empowering them and enhancing credibility in addressing digital risks and harms. 2️⃣ 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: consistent, clear terminology is essential to align public understanding, policy, and advocacy with children’s lived experiences of abuse. 3️⃣ 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁: recognise the complex and varied cultural, legal, and technological dynamics of CSEA when creating protective measures. 4️⃣ 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻: prioritise rehabilitation for victims and restorative justice for perpetrators while avoiding language or actions that stigmatise children. 5️⃣ 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆: policies should proactively adapt to emerging technologies and societal changes to combat technology-facilitated CSEA effectively over time. 6️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: address technology-facilitated CSEA through a holistic framework grounded in children’s rights, ensuring their protection, participation, and freedom in the digital environment. 🔗 Access the full report here: https://lnkd.in/dGXCAGY8 Anri van der Spuy Dr. Sabine K. Witting Patrick Burton Emma Day Sonia Livingstone Kim Sylwander, PhD REPHRAIN National Research Centre on Privacy, Harm Reduction and Adversarial Influence Online, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 5Rights, Tech Legality ✨ #DFC #DigitalFutures4Children #childrights #digitalrights WeProtect Global Alliance | Thorn | Oak Foundation | Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) | INHOPE | Tech Coalition | Child Helpline International