Rachel Kolisi, a recipient of the 2025 Panache Women of Wonder Award, is bringing her Falling Forward roadshow to the Eastern Cape. The roadshow aims to empower women and create a space for conversations about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Kolisi's initiative will host two events in KuGompo City and Gqeberha as part of a nationwide programme. The events will provide a platform for women to share their stories and experiences.
The KuGompo City event will take place at the Guild Theatre on Tuesday and will feature a screening of the Falling Forward documentary. This will be followed by a live conversation and an audience Q&A session. The event will also support the Guardians of Hope Child Care Centre, which cares for abandoned babies. The centre will receive R100 for every ticket sold, providing a much-needed financial boost.
According to Kolisi, Falling Forward is an honest conversation about moving forward when life does not turn out as expected. It acknowledges the difficult moments that bring people to their knees and recognises that moving forward can begin with one small, brave step. While the roadshow is primarily aimed at women, Kolisi encourages men to attend as well. The conversations affect everyone, and it is meaningful when men choose to listen, learn, and be part of creating healthier communities.
The Eastern Cape events will also address the country's GBVF scourge. Kolisi stated that it is impossible to gather hundreds of women in a room and ignore the devastating reality of GBVF in South Africa. The events will provide a platform for important conversations and continue to find meaningful ways to support and amplify GBV organisations. Women are encouraged to wear black in remembrance of the women who are no longer here and in solidarity with women living in fear.
The Guardians of Hope Child Care Centre has already sold 100 tickets, raising R10,000, and hopes to ultimately bring in almost R20,000. Founder Elaine Brenkman expressed gratitude for Rachel Kolisi's team, who were kind enough to use the platform to help the organisation raise funds. The money raised will greatly help the centre, which provides care for abandoned babies.
Kolisi emphasised that Falling Forward is intended to provide a platform for other women and their stories, drawing on her own experiences. The roadshow brings together women of different ages, backgrounds, and life experiences in a room where they can feel seen, heard, and less alone. Men are welcome to attend, and their participation is encouraged.
The Falling Forward roadshow is a nationwide programme that aims to create a space for conversations about GBVF and empower women. With the Eastern Cape events, Kolisi hopes to inspire meaningful conversations and support for GBV organisations. The initiative has already made a positive impact, with the Guardians of Hope Child Care Centre benefiting from the ticket sales.
Key points
- Rachel Kolisi's Falling Forward roadshow aims to empower women and create a space for conversations about GBVF.
- The roadshow will host two events in KuGompo City and Gqeberha, featuring a documentary screening and live conversation.
- The events will support the Guardians of Hope Child Care Centre, which cares for abandoned babies.
