#VOICEANDCHOICESUMMIT 2026 – Change Strategies Category

This category encompasses the following three awards:

• Movement building: This award recognises efforts by organisations to build networks and strategic alliances, at local, regional and global level, and the impact that this movement building has achieved. We are especially interested in knowing more about collaboration within and between the different funds and programmes of Gender Links.
• Strategic litigation and policy change: This award recognises systems change through strategic litigation and policy reform (including advocacy and influence).
• Communication and outreach: This award recognises excellence in amplifying voice through ethical use of communications tools, traditional as well as new media, including use of AI, artivism and knowledge production.

There are four parts to this application:

1. Eligibility: You must be part of one of the following programmes to apply: Marang LGBTIQ Fund, Women’s Voice and Leadership, Women of the South Speak Out, or the Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance and will need to give the name of someone who can verify that you are part of this programme.
2. Administrative information: Name, Email, phone, how you identify, and age.
3. The description of the Change Strategy and its impact.
4. Evidence – three quotes that corroborate your story; three photos (a face and action shot with captions) and a video (optional). Please have these ready.

You can download a word version of the form below, and work on it offline before filling in the online form:

• English
• French

Please note however that the application and accompanying travel form must be filled in online by 11.59 pm South Africa time on Friday 6 February 2026.  

You will need to share a power point presentation with the relevant programme officer by 11.59 pm South African time on Monday 2 March 2026.

Save and continue later function:
If you do not finish filling in the form at one sitting do the following:

After completing page 1 (so when on page 2) on the top, you will see a “Save and Continue later” band.

If you want to go check something and return later, they can click on this and enter your email address. 

Once you have entered your email address twice, whatever you have entered in the application form thus far will be saved and you will receive an email with a link to continue. 

You can then click on the link and continue where you left off. PLEASE NOTE that this email may go to your junk mail and you should check there if you do not receive it a few minutes after entering your email address.

SUPPORT:

For more information regarding the summit contact:

Nomthandazo Mankazana, Women’s Voice and Leadership Fund Manager 
Email: grants1@genderlinks.org.za 

Thenjiwe Ngcobo, Women’s Voice and Leadership Grants and Networking coordinator
Email: grants2@genderlinks.org.za

Lusanda Mamba, Programme Manager, Marang Southern Africa LGBTIQ Fund Email: marangprogmanager@genderlinks.org.za 

Michelle Mutogo, Programme Officer
Email: Wossoprogofficer@genderlinks.org.za

For technical issues contact: 
Fanuel Hadzizi, Results for Change Manager
Email: mande@genderlinks.org.za

For travel related queries contact:
Fikile Maviya, Finance and Compliance Manager
Email: grants.officer@genderlinks.org.za 

I. ELIGIBILITY