Name of fellow

Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers Organisation / Affiliation: South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) Languages: English and isiZulu
Advocacy Areas:

Gender-based violence prevention
Food security and nutrition
Youth empowerment

Mbali Gexa is a Programme Coordinator, youth advocate and feminist leader dedicated to advancin gender equality and creating opportunities for girls and young women to thrive. Through her work at South African Women in Dialogue, she coordinates programmes that promote leadership, education, food security and the prevention of gender-based violence. She believes that empowering young people with knowledge, support and opportunities strengthens communities and contributes to lasting social change. Her advocacy focuses on ensuring that girls and women have safe spaces, equal opportunities and a strong voice in shaping the policies and solutions that affect their lives.

Background

Mbali is an experienced Programme Coordinator with expertise in programme implementation, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, community mobilisation and youth leadership development. At SAWID, she supports the coordination and implementation of initiatives including the Her Rising Leadership Programme for Girls, the Social Workers Champions for Change Programme and her advocacy plan, Safe Girls, Clean Plates, which addresses the intersection of food security, education and girls’ wellbeing. Her work involves facilitating workshops, coordinating dialogues and community engagements, building partnerships, supporting advocacy campaigns and strengthening youth participation in social justice and gender equality initiatives.
Areas of Expertise

Programme coordination and facilitation
Gender equality and GBV prevention
Food security advocacy and youth empowerment
Stakeholder engagement and community mobilisation

Projects and achievements

Mbali currently coordinates and supports several programmes at SAWID that empower women, girls and communities by advancing positive leadership, gender equality and social justice. Her work includes coordinating the Social Workers Champions for Change Programme and the Her Rising Leadership Programme for Girls, both of which strengthen safeguarding, build leadership capacity and promote meaningful community engagement. She facilitates workshops, organises dialogues, fosters strategic partnerships and supports advocacy initiatives that equip young people and communities to become active agents of change.
Affiliations

South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID)
RWL/WOSSO Fellowship