Menu
The 1st for Women Foundation empowers women and children in South Africa, combating gender-based violence through innovative programs and vital partnerships.
Seugnette van Wyngaard, Head of 1st For Women (60 Sec)
Seugnette van Wyngaard highlights that 1st for Women has donated nearly 100 million rand to NGOs fighting gender-based violence. Their customers join a community of fearless women, committed to making a lasting impact in curbing this societal scourge.
Celeste Matross, REPSSI Country Director (30 Sec)
Celeste Matross focuses on the mental health and well-being of children in Diepsloot, where gender-based violence rates are high. With 1st for Women’s support, REPSSI has made significant strides in creating safer environments and changing young lives.
Lindsay Henson, Executive Director of Lawyers Against Abuse (LvA) (60 Sec)
Lindsay Henson ensures victims of gender-based violence have meaningful access to justice through holistic support. 1st for Women’s strategy addresses both prevention and response, helping survivors feel worthy of safety, protection, and care.
Anonymous Victim of Abuse (30 Sec)
An anonymous victim found life-changing support at LvA, resolving long-standing issues and gaining strength. Backed by 1st for Women, they now have the courage to face the world and know they can conquer any challenge.
Debi Steven, Action Breaks Silence Founder & CEO (30 Sec)
Debi Steven leads Action Breaks Silence, a charity focused on preventing violence against women and girls. Inspired by her personal journey, and with support from 1st for Women, Debi is breaking the silence, one self-defense class at a time.
Lalas Sekgobela Action Breaks Silence Trainer (60 Sec)
Corporate Overview
THE 1ST FOR WOMEN FOUNDATION
ADDRESSING PATRIARCHY, INEQUALITY AND ABUSE IN DIEPSLOOT
1st for Women Insurance was established in 2004 to provide, for the first time, insurance specifically designed for women. In 2005, 1st for Women established the 1st for Women Foundation with the objectives of uplifting and inspiring South African women. Since then, the Foundation has been actively involved in the fight against woman abuse. With the support of 1st for Women customers, the 1st for Women Foundation has donated over R100 million to woman abuse causes making a tangible and sustainable difference. This difference is a testament to the collective power of women.
In 2019, the 1st for Women Foundation launched a preventative and response programme in Diepsloot that takes into account and addresses the root cause of the woman-abuse epidemic. Diepsloot was selected as it has some of the highest rates of violence against women ever recorded in South Africa – more than double those reported in national studies.
The 1st for Women Foundation’s preventative and response programme takes place at registered Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres and Primary and High Schools in the Diepsloot community for children aged three to 18. Its implementation partners for ECD learners include Think Equal, the first global education initiative endorsed by the UN Human Rights Office and the Ntataise Trust, an independent organisation that helps women in disadvantaged, rural communities gain the knowledge and skills needed to establish and sustain effective ECD programmes for children in their care. Through this programme, learners are equipped with social and emotional intelligence and values-based skills to end discriminatory mindsets and the cycle of violence. REPSSI (Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative), a leading African psychosocial support organisation was selected to roll-out the Primary and High School programme. The programme includes self-esteem, physical alertness and body consciousness training for girls and the ‘Peace is a Decision Programme’ for boys, which is focused on training and equipping boys with the necessary social courage to challenge cultural norms that condone violence against women and girls, and to intervene when girls and women are being abused. REPSSI also provide training for parents, caregivers, teachers and school leaders.
The programme also includes a comprehensive community-based support programme for survivors of abuse (from trauma to prosecution) which is being implemented with Lawyers Against Abuse in Diepsloot. Self-defence training through Action Breaks Silence, a digital tool with TEARS and a post-violence care centre (PVCC) with Networking HIV and Aids Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA), has been integrated into the programme. NACOSA is renowned for its extensive experience in uplifting community based organisations with a network of over 1900 civil society organisations and facilitating services in Thuthuzela Care Centres nationwide.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
If you want more of this inspiring content, join our newsletter.
We promise not to spam you!