The Catalyst Collective

In a ground-breaking moment that signified a profound change in African politics, President Nandi Ndaitwah Netumbo emergedas the transformation for Namibia that generations of African gender activists have been yearning for. Her rising to the nation’s highest office not only presents an opportunity to dismantle enduring gender barriers but also embodies an unwavering dedication to progressive governance, social justice, and economic renewal.  As Namibia’s first female president, her speech at her inauguration on the 21st March 2025 and the cabinet sheappointed days later gave us so much hope and a compelling case for the need for women leadership. Namibia becomes the only Country with a female President, Vice President and Speaker of Parliament. President Netumbo’s journey to the presidency is a story of resilience, tenacity, and dedication to serving the...

In the opening scenes of the critically acclaimed TV series *Adolescence*, we witness a young boy, barely 12 years old, slam his fist into a wall after being scolded by his father. The camera lingers on his face—jaw clenched, eyes burning with a mix of shame and fury. This moment, though fleeting, is a microcosm of a much larger issue: the insidious roots of male rage and how it grows to affect everyone, especially girls and children. *Adolescence*, a show that masterfully explores the complexities of growing up, doesn’t shy away from tackling the societal norms that perpetuate toxic masculinity. Through its characters, it reveals how unchecked anger in young boys can spiral into a force that harms not only the boys themselves but also the people around them. The series serves as a stark reminder that male rage is not an isolated problem—it is a societal one, with far-reaching consequences. The Roots of Male Rage Male rage often begins in childhood, nurtured by a culture that equates a...

As the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) commences, Africa is poised to illuminate the global dialogue on gender equality. This year’s session, scheduled from 10 to 21 March 2025, represents a remarkable milestone, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. “The main focus of CSW69 will be on reviewing and appraising the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. The review will assess current challenges affecting the implementation of the Platform for Action, gender equality, women's empowerment, and contributions to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” As the world reflects on the strides taken since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action, Africa’s voice must emerge with power. We must showcase our commitment to creating an environment with no violence against w...