Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most serious human rights violations worldwide. Women are particularly affected—and yet it is often women who find ways to change their reality despite adverse circumstances. Their commitment stands for strength, resilience, and hope in an environment marked by inequality and violence.

From September 26 to 28, 2025, the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS), together with the Evangelical Academy Bad Boll and the Kirchliche Arbeitsstelle Südliches Afrika (KASA), is hosting an international conference.

Under the conference theme: “South Africa and Germany in Solidarity: Walking Together Against Gender-Based Violence,” activists, academics, church representatives, artists, and young people from South Africa and Germany will come together. The aim is to learn from each other, share experiences, and jointly develop strategies against gender-based violence.

Focus on South Africa – Resistance and Hope

There will be a special focus on South Africa, where violence against women and girls is widespread. At the same time, numerous initiatives are emerging there in which women are taking responsibility, resisting, and opening up new perspectives. Germany also has valuable experiences and strategies to contribute to the exchange.

The Conference aims to bring these ideas together and express them in a joint declaration: Violence is not inevitable – it can be prevented. Through solidarity, networking, and joint action, change is possible. The EMS cordially invites you to become part of this movement, which inspires hope and makes change possible.

Concert with Thabilé – Music as a sign against violence

As part of the conference, a concert with the award-winning South African singer Thabilé will take place on Friday, September 26, at 8 p.m. at the Evangelical Conference Center in Bad Boll. With her unique blend of soul, jazz, gospel, and African rhythms, she sends a powerful musical message against violence against women.

Her songs tell of the realities of life for oppressed women in South Africa – and at the same time of hope, strength, and the joy of living. For her commitment, Thabilé was honored with the Africa Festival Award as “Artist of the Year” in 2023. 

The concert is open to the public and admission is free.

Information about the conference

Conference: September 26 to 28, 2025, Evangelische Tagungsstätte Bad Boll, Akademieweg 11, 73087 Bad Boll (Participation fees: 70 euros (without accommodation), 181 euros (twin room with breakfast), 220 euros (single room with breakfast), daily meals included

Registration & program: ev-akademie-boll.de/tagung/430125.html

Conference languages: German and English

Concert with Thabilé: Friday, September 26, 2025, 8:00 p.m., Evangelische Tagungsstätte Bad Boll, Akademieweg 11, 73087 Bad Boll, thabilemusic.com/ (open to the public, free admission)