The Catalyst Collective

In today’s digital age, the internet has become a double-edged sword. While it has empowered voices, connected communities, and fostered movements for justice, it has also become a breeding ground for toxicity, abuse, and harassment. One of the most alarming trends we’ve witnessed is the brazenness with which sexual harassers publicly berate their victims online. This behavior is not just a reflection of individual malice but a symptom of a broader societal issue: the normalization of harassment and the systemic failure to hold perpetrators accountable. The Rise of Public Harassment Social media platforms, once hailed as spaces for free expression and connection, have increasingly become arenas where sexual harassers feel emboldened to attack their victims openly. These perpetrators often weaponize platforms to shame, intimidate, and silence survivors, knowing that the anonymity and reach of the internet provide them with a shield of impunity. What’s worse is that these attacks are oft...

For centuries, governments and organizations have implemented various initiatives to address gender justice, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls) and Millennium Development Goal 3 (Promote gender equality and empower women).   Defining Gender Justice Gender justice is the systematic redistribution of power, opportunity, and access for all people, regardless of gender. It promotes equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for all genders.   Challenges Facing Gender Justice Despite efforts to address gender justice, several challenges persist:   Lack of Women in Leadership: Women hold only 27% of parliamentary seats and 28% of management positions.This leads to lack of diversity in policy making and limits the full understanding of the various problems and challenges that women and girls face.   Poverty and Lack of Economic Opportunities: Over 340 million women and girls live in extreme...

Remember the days when HIV/AIDS campaigns were everywhere? Bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore. They didn’t tiptoe around the issue—they confronted it head-on. From billboards to TV ads, these campaigns didn’t just raise awareness; they sparked conversations, challenged stigma, and saved lives. But somewhere along the way, they faded into the background. Today, as we face rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among younger generations, it’s time to ask: where did those campaigns go, and why aren’t they back yet?   The Power of Visibility   The HIV/AIDS campaigns of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s were groundbreaking. They didn’t rely on scare tactics or moralistic messaging about abstinence. Instead, they focused on education, prevention, and empowerment. They showed condoms, talked openly about sexual health, and reminded people that HIV/AIDS could affect anyone. These campaigns weren’t just ads—they were cultural moments that normalised co...

Gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual offenses remain pervasive issues in Zambia, threatening the safety, dignity, and well-being of countless individuals, particularly women and children. Despite efforts to address these crimes, the lack of a comprehensive, publicly accessible sex offender registry continues to hinder progress in combating sexual violence. The Catalyst Collective believes that the establishment of such a registry is not only necessary but urgent. Drawing on findings from the 2024 Zambia Gender-Based Violence Assessment Report, this article highlights the critical need for a public sex offender registry in Zambia. The Current State of Sexual Violence in Zambia The 2024 Zambia Gender-Based Violence Assessment Report paints a grim picture of the prevalence of sexual violence in the country. According to the report, 1 in 3 women in Zambia has experienced sexual violence before the age of 18, while 45% of women aged 15–49 have reported experiencing some form of sexual abu...

On February 6th, the world unites to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to eradicate a practice that violates the fundamental rights of millions of girls and women worldwide. As members of the Catalyst Collective, we stand in solidarity with survivors, activists, and organizations working tirelessly to end FGM and create a future where every girl can live free from harm and discrimination. Understanding FGM: A Global Human Rights Issue Female genital mutilation refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a deeply rooted cultural practice in some communities, often justified by tradition, religion, or social norms. However, FGM has no health benefits and can lead to severe physical, psychological, and emotional consequences, including chronic pain, infections, complications during childbirth, and trauma. According to the World...

In recent years, South Africa has taken significant strides in addressing the pervasive issue of sexual violence, a scourge that has long plagued the nation. One of the most notable developments in this fight is the establishment of the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). This registry, which tracks individuals convicted of sexual offenses against children and vulnerable persons, represents a critical step in the right direction for justice, accountability, and the protection of society’s most vulnerable. The Context of Sexual Violence in South Africa South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world. According to recent statistics, the country records tens of thousands of reported sexual offenses annually, with many more cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, or mistrust in the justice system. Women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected, and the trauma inflicted by these crimes reverberates through families and communiti...

Domestic abuse is a complex and deeply painful issue that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the most challenging aspects of supporting someone in an abusive relationship is when the victim does not want to leave their abuser. This situation can be frustrating and confusing for friends, family, and even professionals trying to help. However, understanding the dynamics of abuse and approaching the situation with empathy and patience is crucial. Here’s what you can do to help. --- 1. Understand the Complexity of Abuse Abusive relationships are rarely straightforward. Victims often stay with their abusers for a variety of reasons, including: - Fear: The abuser may have threatened harm to the victim, their children, or themselves if the victim leaves. - Financial Dependence: The victim may rely on the abuser for financial stability and fear homelessness or poverty. - Emotional Attachment: Despite the abuse, the victim may still love their partner and hope for change. - Isolation:...