By Melanie Heston-Dlamini, Zandile Nhleko | Co-Directors, Swazi SHEROES
Dear Friends and Supporters:We are nearing the conclusion of our first two years since we launched with tremendous gratitude and excitement. Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and civil unrest, Swazi SHEROES has persevered to provide holistic programming for young women in eSwatini. Some beneficiaries have moved on to full time employment or tertiary programs, and others have recruited friends to experience the benefits of SHEROES for themselves, helping us maintain a robust roster of young women.As valued partners, you know that we work with young women on personal and professional development which translates to their employability, entrepreneurial development, and mental and emotional wellbeing. We aim to promote confident, well-equipped young women who are empowered to participate and influence society. Our approach aligns with three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s):
Since our inception in 2020, Swazi SHEROES has raised $25,000 to open a workspace in Manzini, the largest city in eSwatini. This space has created a haven for the beneficiaries. Vital personal reflection and growth are fostered along with the skills training of sewing, handicraft, and design principles. Local professionals have been involved to develop and implement programming in life skills, job training, and psycho-social support, all of which are essential for the success of the Swati young woman. With these initial funds, Swazi SHEROES has been able to acquire the necessary tools and equipment for all these varied aspects of training, including a workspace laptop for the beneficiaries use. This has provided the enhancement of computer skills and online learning,
Within the first 15 months of opening our doors, SHEROES has engaged with over two dozen Swati women who contribute to the manufacturing and marketing of products which include household accessories, handbags, and clothing. These products are being solid in local farmers markets, boutiques, and soon to be available in international market spaces. In 2022, the design and sewing skills of Swazi SHEREOS was showcased in the flags at an international music festival which draws in over 30,000 local and international visitors. In the last year, strong relationships have been established with other local NGOs and entrepreneurs to expand the scope of exposure for our beneficiaries and to strengthen our efforts in general.
We are ambitious and encouraged to significantly expand the reach of Swazi SHEROES in the coming year. With your generous support and the dedication of our SHEROES staff and trainees, we remain hopeful and grateful to be advancing financial independence and gender equity in eSwatini, one woman at a time.
By Steve Driehaus | Founder and Advisory Board Chair, Swazi SHEROES
By Steve Driehaus | Swazi SHEROES Founder and Board Chair
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
