Empowering Women:

Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Challenges in South Africa.

Saskia Wiese, General Manager of Stakeholder Relationship’s and Fundraising

In 2024, The Spirit Education Foundation, provides 143 learners with high school scholarships in the Western Cape, 58% of these scholarships are provided to female learners. In celebrating Women’s month, we would like to hold up a magnifying glass to some of the remarkable achievements of the women that have come through our scholarship program as well as the resilient women currently in our program.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, we come together not just to honour the remarkable achievements of women, but also to reflect on the challenges that many still face. We are here to champion our female scholars and to reaffirm our commitment to creating a future where every woman can thrive.

In South Africa, 41% of households are headed by women, with many facing the significant burden of single parenthood. The stark reality is that 70% of female-headed households live below the poverty line. Women earn 28% less than men and are underrepresented in the labor force, with only 54% participation compared to 63% for men. Recent statistics reveal a troubling picture: youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with 60.8% of young people aged 15 to 24 and 41.7% of those aged 25 to 34 unemployed. When we zoom in on the female unemployment rate, we find that 36.6% of young women between the ages of 15 and 24 are neither in education nor employment.

But amidst these challenges, there are shining rays of hope. As witnessed through the SEF scholarship program. We are witnessing positive trends that signify progress and transformation. For instance, 50% more women than men are enrolling in universities, and 40% more are pursuing studies at TVET colleges. In 2023, 56% of matriculants were female, and across Africa, we see a higher number of female STEM graduates compared to their male counterparts.

Nelson Mandela once said, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.” This profound statement encapsulates the essence of our mission.

Where there is equality, there is prosperity. Women will still face unique barriers that can disrupt their education and opportunities. These include financial constraints, gender-based violence, teen pregnancy, menstruation challenges, and deeply rooted patriarchal norms.

This is where our work and your donations become crucial. Access to quality education is not just a necessity—it is the gateway to empowerment and opportunity. By addressing the entrenched barriers to female educational attainment, we can accelerate socio-economic progress for the women of tomorrow.

The Spirit Education Foundation is committed to providing access to quality education for all youth. We are dedicated to supporting the journey of all scholars to employment, financial independence, and becoming economically strong.

I would like to congratulate all our female scholars that have broken the walls and elevated the expectations of females in STEM, with achievements in Science, Construction, Engineering, Law, Marketing, Commerce and Art.

As we move forward, let us remember that every step towards equality is a step towards a brighter future. A step towards breaking down the social polarisation and segregation in our communities. Let us continue to work together to break down barriers, create opportunities, and build a society where every girl and woman has the chance to shine.

To all the women, Margaret Gardner once said to never leave the house without your base on, My encouragement is to never leave without your lipstick on, stand out, be bold, bright and phenomenally phenomenal women.