Because of you, we’ve helped 102 000 women

While addressing parliament in September 2019, President Ramaphosa said “South Africa is one of the most unsafe places in the world for a woman to live, the level of violence is comparable to countries that are at war.”¹

As a country we observe 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, every year. As 1st for Women, we asked ourselves what happens every other day of the year?  

After…

• The billboards have been taken down.
• The ads are no longer in rotation.
• The visits to women’s shelters have gained enough publicity to land on the front page.

What happens to the victims, their families, their children?

Our Foundation

We launched the 1st for Women Foundation with an objective to protect, uplift and inspire women. Not just for 16 Days but EVERY DAY.

R98 million raised and 102 000 women kept safe

With help from a portion of your premium, we have donated over R98 million to women abuse causes and helped keep 102 000 women safe.

Organisations we support  

1. Lawyers Against Abuse 

A non-profit organisation that provides holistic legal services, therapy, and counselling, to GBV victims. They ensure that the client’s legal, emotional, and psychological needs are met.

2.  Ntataise Trust 

Focuses on Early Childhood Development (ECD) which is a crucial time for physical, mental, emotional, and social growth. Children from disadvantaged communities may not have access to developmental resources and programmes like this help bridge the gap.

3. REPSSI

The Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) is a renowned Pan African organisation that has been providing holistic psychosocial care and support to girls, boys, and the youth in East and Southern Africa for decades.

In 2022 alone, The 1st for Women Foundation has assisted:

• 14 498 beneficiaries
• 12 schools
• 77 ECD centres (serving 2532 children)
• 5110 school children
• 183 parents, teachers, and trainers

Lawyers Against Abuse reported:

• 260 GBV cases reported
• 402 people accessing GBV-related support services
• 117 protection order applications
• 93 people charged for GBV
• 8 GBV perpetrators convicted
• 5 survivors placed in shelters

Conclusion

We are nowhere near where we need to be when it comes to eradicating GBV, but together, EVERY DAY we’re making a difference.

So next time someone asks if you’ve played your part to fight GBV, you can say “I’ve contributed to the safety of 102 000 women”. 

¹SA is one of the most unsafe places in the world for a woman to live: Ramaphosa - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.