Dr Lesley Ann Foster, a relentless advocate for women's rights, championing the fight against gender-based violence an
For decades, long before South Africa declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national crisis, Dr Lesley Ann Foster has dedicated her life to advancing the rights, dignity and safety of women and girls.
As the founder of Masimanyane Women's Rights International, Foster has worked to end violence against women, strengthen access to justice and promote gender equality.
Over the years, she has worked across every aspect of the GBVF sector, implementing women's rights programmes in more than five countries and contributing to regional and international initiatives linked to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), anti-trafficking efforts and survivor-centred responses to gender-based violence.
She has also served in influential leadership roles across African and international women's rights platforms, helping to shape policy and strengthen feminist movements beyond South Africa.
