Women Empowerment

The Goal

Ikemele, meaning "to rise up", is a sponsorship program created to empower women to rise above their vulnerable circumstances, living a life of restored hope and strength.

The Local Situation

51% of South African women have experienced domestic violence.
A woman is killed by her partner every 6 hours, making intimate partner violence the leading cause of death for female homicide victims.
Only 1 in 9 rapes are reported, but it is estimated that over 40% of South African women will experience rape in their lifetime.
Gender based violence cases have tripled during COVID-19 national lockdowns.
Over 30% of black women in South Africa are unemployed.
For every R1 a male South African earns, a woman earns 7 cents.

What the Program Offers

Through equipping a woman determined to improve her life with skills training, practical help and psycho-social support, she can become financially independent and in charge of her own decisions.

The holistic 3 month Ikemele program offers:

Skills training
Work readiness & life skills
Support groups
One-on-one counselling sessions
Social relief
Practical support

After graduation, we connect her to local employment opportunities or help her start a small business.

Meet Lebogang, a Mabopane woman whose life has been turned around with the help of Lesedi la Batho. Today she is employed, purposeful and thriving!

How Sponsorship Works

Choose a gift from the list below that speaks to your heart (and budget!)

Enter the amount you wish to donate, reference Ikemele, and select "Recurring" if you wish to repeat your donation monthly. You'll be led to a secure donation portal using instant EFT's & credit cards. For alternative donation methods, please click here.