On this day in August 1956, 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria – taking a stand against apartheid and demanding equality.
These strong women have gifted us a powerful legacy of courage and leadership. Women and girls all over the world are increasingly standing up for themselves and others, demanding their rightful place in society across the globe.
At African Tusk Clothing, we are proud to work closely with Shamwari Private Game Reserve, whose on-site partner, the Born Free Foundation, launched the Lavelikhwezi Empowerment Project in 2019 – a women's livelihood initiative based within Shamwari Private Game Reserve’s host community of Paterson.
Through Born Free Foundation’s support, Lavelilkhwezi women were equipped and provided with business development, manufacturing and technical skills training, logistical support production space.
This woman-owned business contributes to ecotourism by designing and manufacturing amenity bags for lodge guests and tote bags for the lodge curio shop. They manufacture traditional wear, uniform for local schools and they are the go-to place for mending and altering clothes for their community.
The Lavelikhwezi empowerment project is integrated within Born Free's broader community outreach, including wildlife and environmental education – thus contributing to closing the gender gap and poverty cycle.
On a smaller, but no less significant scale, African Tusk Clothing proudly boasts being a majority female workforce.
Candice, Cherissa, Christelle, Madelein, Natasha, Stephie, Mags and Ange are the women at the heartbeat of our business. They bring with them an in-depth knowledge of the clothing manufacturing industry and the processes associated therewith. Together they have a combined 40 years of experience in the clothing industry! They are hardworking, meticulous and committed to their craft and their families.
We continue to educate and empower these fantastic women to achieve their full potential.
While applauding these triumphs, we also recognise the ongoing challenges and the work still to be done to reach true gender equality. Today, we honor the perseverance and resilience of women and those who support them, who continue to break barriers, be that personally or professionally, and who inspire us and future generations to build a more inclusive and equal society.
