Building on the momentum of its Power campaign launched during Women’s Month, Aware.org is urging South Africans to move beyond celebration and commit to lasting change. The campaign seeks to rally the nation to transform awareness into advocacy, reinforcing the message that empowerment is not a moment – it’s a movement.
Every woman matters in every space she inhabits, from homes to workplaces, from boardrooms to grassroots initiatives. When women are empowered, communities grow stronger. When communities are strong, alcohol-related harm is reduced. Through the experiences of women of all ages and backgrounds, the Women’s Month campaign demonstrates how small, purposeful actions can drive lasting change.
Gender empowerment isn’t defined solely by titles or high-profile leadership roles. It’s equally about the everyday decisions that spark ripples of change. This comes to life in the real stories of women connected to Aware.org, whose choices show how small actions can create meaningful impact. For Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) training facilitator Estelle Pillay, it meant stepping out of an administrative role at the age of 51 to work directly in communities, raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). For high school learner Alethia Kock, it began with volunteering at her grandmother’s soup kitchen after school, a choice that taught her the transformative power of service and connection.
These stories embody a truth that Aware.org champions: every choice matters. Whether it’s a community development worker inspiring other to return to school, Kgomotso Dhlamini choosing personal healing as a catalyst to change, or Busisiwe Mapeka driving transformation through education and empowerment – each act of courage and commitment moves South Africa closer to becoming healthier, safer, and more equitable.
The Power campaign underscores that gender equity is integral to preventing harm. Alcohol-related harm disproportionately affects women, both directly and indirectly, making it essential to dismantle systemic barriers, amplifying women’s voices and creating inclusive spaces for decision-making. “A movement is built when people see themselves as part of the solution,” said Mokebe Thulo, CEO at Aware.org. “That means supporting women, listening to women and standing with us in policy, in communities and in everyday life.”
To bring this vision to life, Aware.org is calling on South Africans to join the Power movement by sharing stories of meaningful choices, championing women-led initiatives in communities and workplaces and advocating for equity in every sphere of life. The message is simple yet powerful: your voice matters, and your actions can drive lasting change. Whether it’s in a boardroom, classroom, a community meeting or around the family table, every action contributes to the collective push for equality.
Empowerment is prevention and prevention is the foundation of safer, stronger communities. Together, South Africans can ensure that Women’s Month is not just celebrated, but embodied, every single day of the year.
For more information on the Aware.org Women’s Month campaign, follow Aware.org on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aware.org.za/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aware.org_za
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aware-org/
