The International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) warmly invites members, partners and the broader social development community to attend the 21st Annual Helen Joseph Memorial Lecture, hosted by ICSD Institutional Member, the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg.
This year’s lecture comes at a pivotal moment for the global social development community. Following the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), governments reaffirmed their commitment to building more inclusive societies by recognising the central role of care, gender equality and women’s empowerment in achieving sustainable development. As countries work to translate these commitments into action, the lecture provides an important opportunity to reflect on the policies, social movements and partnerships needed to advance a more equitable social and care economy.
The prestigious lecture will be delivered by Professor Leila Patel, founding Director of the CSDA and President of the International Consortium for Social Development. An internationally recognised scholar in social development, Professor Patel has played a leading role in shaping social policy and developmental welfare in South Africa and globally.
In her lecture, “South African Women’s Movements and the Care Agenda: Achievements, Broken Promises, and the Road to Transformative Gender and Equitable Care Policies”, Professor Patel traces the history of women’s struggles in South Africa and examines how these movements have influenced the country’s gender and care policies. She reflects on the progress that has been made, the promises that remain unfulfilled, and the opportunities for advancing more integrated, equitable and transformative care policies.
The lecture will offer valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, civil society organisations and students interested in social development, gender equality, social protection and care policy in African and around the world.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Time: 17:00–19:00 (SAST) - Format: Livestream via YouTube or in-person
- Venue: Ubuntu Chambers, Madibeng, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, University of Johannesburg
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/tBpnxQkTFg
We encourage all ICSD members and colleagues committed to advancing social justice, gender equality and the global care agenda to join this important conversation.