Changemakers from across Africa were honoured at the Voice & Choice Awards Gala, recognising innovative initiatives advancing gender justice. The awards marked the culmination of the Voice & Choice Summit, which brought together more than 200 activists, community leaders, entrepreneurs and civil society partners. At a time of increasing global backlash against gender equality, the awards spotlight African-led, evidence-driven solutions - from policy advocacy and community mobilisation to innovative storytelling.
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42 awards presented celebrating changemakers across Africa.
34 Voice & Choice Awards - 21 winners and 13 runners-up
8 Sunrise Campaign Awards - 3 winners and 5 runners-up, recognising women entrepreneurs.
Inaugural Marang Fund Media Awards honours outstanding journalism advancing LGBTIQ rights and inclusion, winner from Botswana and Lesotho, runner-up from Madagascar
Judges’ comments across categories noted the breadth of bold, innovative and evidence-driven interventions, with strategic multi-tiered approaches and strong community impact. They applauded the creativity, partnerships and forward-looking solutions enabling meaningful, scalable change.
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Held in Johannesburg from 15–17 March 2026, the Voice & Choice Summit and Awards brought together more than 200 activists, community leaders, entrepreneurs and media from across Africa, spotlighting innovation and impact in advancing gender equality.
First held in 2004, the Summit has grown into a leading regional platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and showcasing solutions driving gender justice. Taking place amid growing global backlash against gender equality, the Summit highlighted bold, community-led African solutions — demonstrating resilience, innovation and the power of collaboration to drive meaningful, lasting change.
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Highlight of this year’s Summit was official celebration of Gender Links’ 25th anniversary - marking a quarter century of advancing gender justice across Southern Africa. Founded in 2001, Gender Links works across the region to advance gender justice through programmes on ending violence, economic and climate justice, women’s political participation, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender and media.
“For 25 years Gender Links has worked with communities, civil society, governments and the media to advance gender justice across Southern Africa,” said Colleen Lowe Morna, Gender Links’ founder and Special Advisor. “Our anniversary is a moment to celebrate progress while renewing our commitment to push forward for equality.
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Gender Links | South Africa: Regional changemakers honoured at Voice…
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Marang Fund Media Awards honoured outstanding journalism advancing LGBTIQ rights and inclusion across Southern Africa. Presented for the first time as part of the Voice & Choice Awards, two winners and one runner-up walked away with awards for their powerful storytelling. Read the media advisory:
Inaugural Marang Media Awards honour bold LGBTIQ journalism
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Gender Links | GL@25 and Voice & Choice Summit
Gender Links | IWD: GL vows to push forward
