In 2016, an inspiring movement began in Klerksdorp, North West Province, South Africa. The HeForShe Taverns initiative set out to challenge the prevailing culture of gender-based violence, foster dialogue around HIV, and promote a sense of community and togetherness. A partnership between the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) and Peace Commission, and UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office, the programme is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the United Kingdom and the Irish Government. Initially starting with just seven participating taverns, the initiative expanded significantly, touching the lives of thousands of people across the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and strict regulations posed severe challenges to the taverns in Klerksdorp, forcing many to shut down and undergo economic hardship. As a result, the HeForShe Taverns initiative made a courageous decision to relocate to Umsunduzi Municipality in 2021, where it embarked on a fresh chapter of community engagement. Collaborating with over 60 taverns drawn from four distinct communities, the initiative is now thriving again and has to date brought together approximately 10,000 people in open dialogues on gender-based violence and HIV.
