16/11/2025
CAROLINE THEMA FOUNDATION
REPORT: YOUNG WOMEN OF AFRICA (YOWA) – MILES OF CHANGE SUMMIT
15–16 NOVEMBER 2025 | POLOKWANE
The Caroline Thema Foundation had the honour of attending the Young Women of Africa (YOWA) Miles for Change Summit held at Protea Landmark Hotel in Polokwane. The two-day summit took place on 15 and 16 November 2025, bringing together young women leaders, organisations and activists under the theme: “Ending GBVF one step at a time: raising awareness, restoring dignity and empowering survivors through collective action.”
On 15 November, the Summit officially opened with a powerful address delivered by the MEC for the Department of Social Development, Mme Florence Radzilani, on behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government. She reinforced the importance of unity in tackling GBVF and encouraged all women—whether directly affected or not—to actively take part in this fight.
The summit also featured a keynote address by the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, who highlighted her department’s commitment to women’s empowerment. She emphasised that:
“The Department of Human Settlements plays a pivotal role in driving women’s economic empowerment within the sector. Through our policy framework, we have set aside 40% of our expenditure amounting to R11 billion for women-owned businesses.”
She further added that:
“According to Stats SA, over 40% of households in our country are headed by women. In response, our Department has made deliberate policy choices to prioritise women’s economic empowerment.”
Her address strengthened the call for intentional investment in women to break cycles of poverty and vulnerability that fuel GBVF.
On 16 November, the Caroline Thema Foundation also participated in a GBVF awareness march led by the Capricorn District Municipality Executive Mayor, Mamedupi Teffo. The march brought together delegates, community members, organisations, men, women, children, and youth in a united stand against violence.
The gathering featured delegates from several African countries, including Zambia, Lesotho and Swaziland, alongside various South African organisations and community structures—creating a powerful pan-African space of shared learning, solidarity and collective action.
A significant highlight of the summit was the mind-blowing testimony about the Nail Kit initiative received on behalf of Mme Mashatile.
