EmpowerHer

EmpowerHer addresses the pervasive issue of forced marriage among girls in rural African communities, with a focus on South Africa. Globally, forced marriage denies millions of girls their rights to education, health, and autonomy. Despite legal protections, forced marriage persists in South Africa, particularly in rural areas where cultural norms and economic pressures contribute to its prevalence.

Forced marriage is fueled by factors such as entrenched gender inequalities, poverty, lack of access to education and resources, and cultural practices that prioritize girls' roles as wives and mothers over their individual agency and aspirations. EmpowerHer tackles these challenges by promoting community awareness, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, and technological solutions to support girls at risk and empower them to make informed decisions about their futures.

While precise statistics on the prevalence of forced marriage in rural African communities, including South Africa, are difficult to obtain due to underreporting and cultural secrecy, empirical evidence suggests that the problem is widespread and requires targeted interventions like EmpowerHer to address its root causes and provide support to survivors.

EmpowerHer is a multifaceted initiative crafted to tackle the entrenched challenge of forced marriage among girls in rural South African communities. Our approach seamlessly integrates community engagement, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, and cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive support and opportunities for girls at risk.

At the core of EmpowerHer is community awareness and education. We forge strong partnerships with local leaders, schools, and community organizations to illuminate the detrimental impact of forced marriage and advocate for gender equality. Through a series of workshops, seminars, and outreach programs, we empower communities to reject harmful cultural norms and champion the rights of girls.

Legal advocacy forms another cornerstone of EmpowerHer. We tirelessly work to bolster legal protections for girls vulnerable to forced marriage, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the full extent of South African law. Our initiatives include providing access to legal aid services and offering unwavering support to survivors throughout the legal process.

Economic empowerment is pivotal in breaking the cycle of forced marriage. EmpowerHer provides a suite of opportunities, including vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and microfinance initiatives, enabling girls and their families to cultivate sustainable livelihoods and reduce susceptibility to coercion and exploitation.

Technology serves as a catalyst in our fight against forced marriage. EmpowerHer harnesses the power of innovative mobile-based platforms and hotlines, offering girls a confidential avenue to report instances of forced marriage and access vital support services. Through a user-friendly mobile app, girls can securely document incidents, access legal information and assistance, and find emergency support. Additionally, our hotline ensures immediate assistance in emergencies, equipped with features like panic buttons to alert trusted contacts or authorities for swift intervention.

EmpowerHer's comprehensive approach is finely tuned to the unique challenges faced by girls in rural South African communities. By seamlessly integrating community engagement, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, and technology, we aspire to uplift and empower girls at risk, enabling them to make autonomous choices and envision a future where every girl can thrive.

Through EmpowerHer, we envision a South Africa where every girl is free from the shackles of forced marriage and equipped with the resources and support needed to realize her full potential.

EmpowerHer ensures the ethical and responsible use of technology, particularly AI, by implementing robust measures to safeguard privacy, security, and well-being. We prioritize ethical considerations throughout our work.

One potential risk is privacy breaches or data misuse. EmpowerHer addresses this by employing encryption, secure data storage, and access controls. We adhere to data protection regulations like South Africa's POPIA to ensure user data confidentiality.

We conduct thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate ethical concerns, ensuring our technology doesn't perpetuate biases. Transparency and accountability are paramount. We inform users about data usage, obtain consent, and empower them to control their data.

In scaling, we remain vigilant, engaging stakeholders for feedback and aligning practices with ethical standards.

EmpowerHer is committed to using technology responsibly and ethically to support girls at risk of forced marriage in rural South Africa.

EmpowerHer serves girls in rural South African communities who are at risk of forced marriage, aiming to directly and meaningfully improve their lives. These girls face significant challenges due to entrenched gender inequalities, cultural norms, and socioeconomic factors that perpetuate the practice of forced marriage. They are often underserved by existing support systems, which may be limited or inaccessible in remote rural areas.

Our target population includes girls who may be coerced or forced into marriage against their will, denying them their rights to education, health, and autonomy. These girls often lack access to resources and support networks to help them navigate and resist these harmful practices. Additionally, cultural stigma and fear of reprisal may prevent them from seeking help or reporting instances of forced marriage.

EmpowerHer addresses the needs of these girls by providing a comprehensive support system that empowers them to make informed choices about their futures. Through community engagement and education, we raise awareness about the harmful impact of forced marriage and promote gender equality, challenging the cultural norms that perpetuate the practice. By empowering communities to reject harmful practices and support girls' rights, we create a more supportive environment for girls at risk.

Legal advocacy is another key aspect of EmpowerHer's approach. We work to strengthen legal protections for girls at risk of forced marriage and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under South African law. This includes providing access to legal aid services and supporting survivors through the legal process, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to seek justice and protection.

Economic empowerment is also central to EmpowerHer's efforts. We provide vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and microfinance initiatives to girls and their families, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and reduce vulnerability to coercion and exploitation. By providing economic opportunities, we empower girls to assert their independence and make choices about their futures.

Finally, technology plays a pivotal role in EmpowerHer's impact. Through mobile-based platforms and hotlines, we provide girls with a confidential means of reporting cases of forced marriage and accessing support services. These technologies bridge the gap between remote rural communities and essential resources, empowering girls to seek help and assert their rights.

Overall, EmpowerHer directly impacts the lives of girls at risk of forced marriage by providing them with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to resist coercion, assert their rights, and create a future where they can thrive on their own terms.

Our team at EmpowerHer is uniquely positioned to deliver this solution due to our deep connection and proximity to the communities we serve. Led by individuals with lived experience or proximity to the issues of forced marriage in rural South African communities, we understand the cultural nuances, challenges, and sensitivities involved in addressing this complex issue.

As Team Lead, I have personally witnessed the impact of forced marriage on girls in rural South Africa. Growing up in a rural community myself, I have seen firsthand the harmful effects of gender inequality and cultural practices that perpetuate forced marriage. This personal connection drives my passion and commitment to creating meaningful change for girls in similar circumstances.

Our team comprises individuals who share similar backgrounds and experiences, ensuring that our approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity. Many team members have direct experience working with vulnerable populations in rural areas, including survivors of forced marriage, community leaders, and local NGOs. This diversity of perspectives enriches our work and ensures that our solution is responsive to the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.

From the outset, the design and implementation of EmpowerHer have been guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we aim to support. We have conducted extensive community consultations, engaging with girls, families, community leaders, and local organizations to understand their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. This participatory approach has been instrumental in shaping our solution, ensuring that it is culturally relevant, contextually appropriate, and responsive to the unique needs of each community.

Throughout the development process, we have prioritized meaningful collaboration and co-creation with community members. We have formed community advisory boards and steering committees to provide ongoing guidance and feedback on our initiatives. Additionally, we have established partnerships with local organizations and grassroots initiatives to leverage existing resources, networks, and expertise within the community.

By centering the voices and experiences of the communities we serve, EmpowerHer is not just a solution designed for them but with them. Our commitment to meaningful community engagement ensures that our efforts are guided by local knowledge, priorities, and aspirations, ultimately leading to more sustainable and impactful outcomes for girls at risk of forced marriage in rural South Africa.

EmpowerHer is currently at the Pilot stage. We have launched our solution in several rural communities in South Africa and are actively iterating on our design and business model based on feedback and insights gathered from users and stakeholders. While we have successfully implemented our solution in these communities, we recognize the need for further refinement and optimization as we continue to expand our reach and impact.

We are applying to the Challenge because we believe it presents an invaluable opportunity to further scale and strengthen EmpowerHer, ultimately enabling us to better support girls at risk of forced marriage in rural South African communities.

As a solution operating at the Pilot stage, we face several barriers that we hope the Challenge can help us overcome. Firstly, financial constraints limit our ability to expand our reach and impact. Securing additional funding would allow us to invest in scaling our operations, reaching more communities, and enhancing the effectiveness of our programs and services. The funding provided by the Challenge would enable us to cover operational costs, support staff salaries, and invest in essential resources and infrastructure.

Secondly, technical barriers, particularly related to the development and maintenance of our mobile-based platforms and hotlines, pose challenges to our solution's scalability and sustainability. Accessing technical expertise and support through the Challenge would help us address these barriers, allowing us to optimize our technology solutions, enhance user experience, and ensure the security and reliability of our platforms.

Thirdly, legal and cultural barriers related to navigating complex regulatory frameworks and addressing cultural sensitivities in rural communities present significant challenges. By participating in the Challenge, we hope to gain access to legal expertise and support that can help us navigate legal complexities, ensure compliance with regulations, and mitigate potential risks associated with our operations.

Additionally, cultural barriers, including stigma, misinformation, and resistance to change, can impede our efforts to raise awareness about forced marriage and promote gender equality in rural communities. Through the Challenge's support program, which includes capacity-building workshops and expert guidance, we aim to develop culturally sensitive approaches and strategies to overcome these barriers, effectively engage with communities, and foster positive social change.

Finally, market barriers, such as competition for funding and limited access to resources and networks, hinder our ability to scale and sustain our solution. The Challenge provides a platform to showcase our work, connect with potential partners and donors, and access global networks and resources that can help us overcome these barriers and accelerate our growth trajectory.

Overall, by participating in the Challenge, we hope to leverage the financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market support provided to further advance EmpowerHer and create a future where every girl in rural South Africa can thrive free from the threat of forced marriage.

EmpowerHer is innovative in several key ways that distinguish it from traditional approaches to addressing forced marriage among girls in rural African communities.

Firstly, our solution takes a holistic and multidimensional approach to tackling the problem. Instead of focusing solely on one aspect, such as legal advocacy or economic empowerment, EmpowerHer integrates community engagement, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, and technology to provide comprehensive support to girls at risk. By addressing the root causes of forced marriage from multiple angles, EmpowerHer ensures a more effective and sustainable impact.

Secondly, EmpowerHer leverages technology, specifically mobile-based platforms and hotlines, to bridge the gap between remote rural communities and essential resources. By providing girls with a confidential means of reporting cases of forced marriage and accessing support services, our solution overcomes barriers related to geography, accessibility, and cultural stigma. This innovative use of technology ensures that even girls in the most remote areas can seek help and assert their rights.

Additionally, EmpowerHer prioritizes community engagement and empowerment as central components of its approach. Instead of imposing external solutions, we work closely with local leaders, schools, and community organizations to raise awareness, challenge harmful cultural practices, and promote gender equality from within. By empowering communities to drive change, EmpowerHer fosters sustainable social transformation that extends beyond individual interventions.

EmpowerHer has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts from others in this space by serving as a model for innovative and collaborative approaches to addressing forced marriage and gender-based violence. By demonstrating the effectiveness of holistic solutions that combine grassroots engagement, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, and technology, EmpowerHer can inspire and inform other organizations, governments, and stakeholders working in this field.

Furthermore, EmpowerHer has the capacity to change the market/landscape by shifting the narrative around forced marriage and gender-based violence in rural African communities. By challenging entrenched norms and stereotypes, EmpowerHer creates space for dialogue, education, and advocacy that can lead to broader systemic change. As more organizations and stakeholders recognize the importance of holistic, community-driven approaches like EmpowerHer, we can collectively work towards creating a future where every girl can thrive free from the threat of forced marriage.

Overall, EmpowerHer's innovative approach, grounded in community engagement, technology, and comprehensive support services, has the potential to catalyze transformative change in the landscape of addressing forced marriage and gender-based violence in rural African communities.

EmpowerHer expects to have a significant impact on the problem of forced marriage among girls in rural South African communities through a clear theory of change that links our activities to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes.

Our theory of change begins with our activities, which include community awareness and education, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, and technology-based support services. Through workshops, seminars, and outreach programs, we raise awareness about the harmful impact of forced marriage and promote gender equality in rural communities. We also work to strengthen legal protections for girls at risk of forced marriage, provide economic opportunities and resources to empower them, and offer technology-based platforms for reporting and accessing support services.

These activities lead to immediate outputs, including increased community awareness and acceptance of girls' rights, improved legal protections and access to justice, enhanced economic opportunities and livelihoods for girls and their families, and increased access to technology-based support services.

In the longer term, we expect these outputs to result in several key outcomes for our target population:

Reduced incidence of forced marriage: By raising awareness, strengthening legal protections, and empowering girls economically and technologically, we expect to see a decrease in the prevalence of forced marriage in rural South African communities.
Improved well-being and agency of girls: By providing girls with access to education, economic opportunities, and support services, we expect to see improvements in their physical, psychological, and social well-being, as well as an increase in their agency to make informed decisions about their futures.
Positive social change: By challenging harmful cultural norms and promoting gender equality, we expect to see broader societal shifts towards more equitable and inclusive attitudes and behaviors, leading to lasting change beyond individual interventions.
To support the existence and strength of these links, we draw on evidence from third-party research, process evaluations, and data from interviews with our target population. For example, research studies have shown that community-based interventions, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, and technology-based support services can effectively reduce the prevalence of forced marriage and improve the well-being of girls in similar contexts. Process evaluations and interviews with our target population provide qualitative insights into the impact of our activities and the pathways through which they lead to desired outcomes.

Overall, our theory of change provides a clear framework for understanding how EmpowerHer expects to have an impact on the problem of forced marriage among girls in rural South African communities and is supported by evidence from research and evaluation studies.

Our impact goals for EmpowerHer are centered around creating lasting positive change in the lives of girls at risk of forced marriage in rural South African communities. These impact goals guide all aspects of our work and reflect our commitment to achieving transformational outcomes:

Reduction in the prevalence of forced marriage: Our primary impact goal is to significantly decrease the incidence of forced marriage among girls in rural South African communities. We aim to achieve this by empowering girls with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to assert their rights and make informed decisions about their futures.
Improvement in the well-being and agency of girls: We aim to enhance the physical, psychological, and social well-being of girls at risk of forced marriage and increase their agency to shape their own lives. This includes improvements in girls' access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and support services, as well as their ability to advocate for their rights and choices.
Societal change towards gender equality: Our broader impact goal is to contribute to positive societal shifts towards gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women. By challenging harmful cultural norms and promoting gender equity in rural communities, we aim to create an environment where girls are valued, respected, and afforded equal opportunities to thrive.
To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we track a range of specific indicators across multiple dimensions:

Incidence of forced marriage: We monitor changes in the reported cases of forced marriage within our target communities over time, using both quantitative data from our reporting platforms and qualitative insights from community feedback and interviews.
Girls' well-being and agency: We assess improvements in girls' well-being and agency through indicators such as school attendance rates, access to healthcare services, economic empowerment outcomes (e.g., employment rates, income levels), self-reported feelings of safety and empowerment, and participation in decision-making processes within their families and communities.
Societal attitudes and norms: We measure changes in societal attitudes and norms towards gender equality and forced marriage through community surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Indicators include shifts in perceptions of gender roles, acceptance of girls' rights and autonomy, and support for initiatives promoting gender equality.
By regularly collecting and analyzing data on these indicators, we can track our progress towards our impact goals, identify areas for improvement, and adapt our strategies and interventions accordingly. This data-driven approach ensures that we remain accountable to our mission and continue to drive meaningful change for girls in rural South Africa.

EmpowerHer leverages a variety of core technologies to power our solution and address the challenge of forced marriage among girls in rural South African communities. These technologies are carefully selected to support our multifaceted approach and empower girls with the tools they need to assert their rights and access support services effectively. Here are some of the key technologies we utilize:

Mobile-Based Platforms and Hotlines: EmpowerHer employs mobile-based platforms and hotlines to provide girls with a confidential means of reporting cases of forced marriage and accessing support services. These platforms may include mobile apps, SMS technology, or interactive voice response (IVR) systems that allow girls to document incidents of forced marriage, access information about their rights, and connect with trained support personnel. By leveraging mobile technology, we bridge the gap between remote rural communities and essential resources, empowering girls to seek help and assert their rights even in areas with limited access to traditional support networks.
Data Analytics and AI: We utilize data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze trends and patterns related to forced marriage, identify high-risk areas and populations, and tailor our interventions accordingly. By harnessing the power of AI, we can make more informed decisions about resource allocation, intervention strategies, and outreach efforts, ultimately maximizing the impact of our solution.
Educational Technology: EmpowerHer utilizes educational technology, such as digital learning platforms and interactive multimedia resources, to deliver training and educational materials on topics related to gender equality, human rights, and healthy relationships. These technologies enable us to reach a wide audience of girls and community members, facilitating learning and awareness-raising initiatives even in remote rural areas where access to traditional educational resources may be limited.
Secure Data Management Systems: To ensure the confidentiality and security of sensitive information collected through our reporting platforms and support services, EmpowerHer employs secure data management systems and encryption protocols. These systems comply with relevant data protection regulations and ethical standards, safeguarding the privacy and safety of girls who seek assistance through our platform.
Community Engagement Platforms: We utilize community engagement platforms, including social media, online forums, and community networks, to facilitate dialogue, share resources, and mobilize support around the issue of forced marriage. These platforms enable us to connect with diverse stakeholders, including girls, families, community leaders, and advocacy organizations, fostering collaboration and collective action towards ending forced marriage in rural communities.
Overall, the core technologies powering EmpowerHer are carefully chosen to align with our mission of leveraging innovation to address complex social challenges and empower girls to lead safe, healthy, and self-determined lives. By harnessing the potential of technology, we strive to create a future where every girl can thrive free from the threat of forced marriage.

Our solution team currently consists of:

Full-time staff: 3
Volunteers: 7

We have been actively working on our solution for approximately two years. During this time, we have conducted extensive research, engaged with stakeholders, developed and piloted our interventions, and iterated based on feedback and learnings.

Our team consists of three full-time staff members and seven dedicated volunteers, each bringing unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to our organization. While we are a relatively small team, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Here's how we ensure that our team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all:

Diverse Perspectives: Despite our size, we strive to maintain diversity within our team by valuing the varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of each member. This diversity enriches our discussions, decision-making processes, and problem-solving approaches.
Inclusive Recruitment: When recruiting new volunteers or staff members, we actively seek individuals from underrepresented groups to ensure that our team reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We use inclusive language in our job postings and outreach efforts to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Volunteer Engagement: We provide opportunities for volunteers to contribute meaningfully to our organization, regardless of their background or level of experience. We ensure that tasks are assigned equitably and that volunteers feel valued and supported in their roles.
Open Communication: We maintain open channels of communication within our team, encouraging all members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. We create a safe space where everyone's voice is heard and respected, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
Training and Development: We offer training and development opportunities to both staff and volunteers to enhance their skills, knowledge, and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. This may include workshops, webinars, or online courses aimed at promoting awareness and sensitivity to issues of diversity.
Supportive Environment: We prioritize creating a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone feels accepted, valued, and empowered to contribute. We address any instances of discrimination, harassment, or bias swiftly and decisively, ensuring that our team members feel safe and supported.
Continuous Improvement: We regularly evaluate our practices and policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, seeking feedback from team members and stakeholders on areas for improvement. We remain committed to ongoing learning and growth as we strive to create a more inclusive organization.
Overall, our team is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our differences and our shared commitment to creating positive change in the world.

Nkwane CTS operates as a community-based consultancy firm with a primary focus on community empowerment and collaboration with multidisciplinary organizations for a holistic approach to addressing social challenges. Our business model revolves around providing valuable services to our key customers and beneficiaries, which include marginalized communities, local NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders invested in social development.

Our products and services encompass a range of offerings aimed at empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. These may include:

Consultancy Services: We offer tailored consultancy services to community-based organizations, NGOs, and government agencies seeking expertise in community development, capacity building, and program design and implementation. Our consultancy services may involve conducting needs assessments, designing community-led interventions, and providing technical assistance to enhance organizational capacity.
Training Programs: We develop and deliver training programs aimed at building the capacity of individuals and organizations working in the social sector. These programs cover topics such as community mobilization, project management, advocacy and policy development, and gender mainstreaming, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to drive positive change in their communities.
Collaborative Projects: We collaborate with multidisciplinary organizations, including academic institutions, research centers, and private sector entities, to implement collaborative projects that address complex social challenges. These projects often involve a combination of research, advocacy, capacity building, and direct service provision, leveraging the expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders for maximum impact.
Resource Mobilization: We support communities and organizations in mobilizing resources for their initiatives through grant writing, fundraising campaigns, and partnership development. By helping our clients access financial resources, we enable them to implement sustainable projects and programs that address their specific needs and priorities.
Our customers and beneficiaries value our services because they enable them to achieve their social impact goals more effectively and efficiently. Community organizations benefit from our expertise and support in designing and implementing evidence-based interventions that address the root causes of social issues. NGOs and government agencies rely on our consultancy services and training programs to enhance their capacity and strengthen their ability to serve marginalized populations. Additionally, our collaborative projects bring together diverse stakeholders to tackle complex challenges collectively, fostering innovation and collaboration in the social sector.

To sustain our operations and continue providing valuable services, we generate revenue through consultancy fees, training fees, donations, and grants. This diversified funding approach allows us to maintain financial stability while ensuring accessibility and affordability of our services to our target beneficiaries. By combining our social mission with sound business principles, we aim to create lasting positive change in the communities we serve.

Our plan for financial sustainability relies on a multi-faceted approach, including sustained donations and grants, consultancy fees, training revenues, and potential income from innovative projects and collaborations.

Currently, we are primarily self-funded, with the team dedicating personal resources to support our operations and initiatives. However, we recognize the importance of diversifying our funding sources to ensure long-term sustainability and scalability.

To achieve this, we are actively sourcing grant funds from philanthropic organizations, governmental bodies, and other funding opportunities. We are engaging in grant writing and fundraising efforts to secure the necessary resources to expand our impact and reach more communities affected by forced marriage.

While we have not yet secured external grants, our focus on building strategic partnerships, demonstrating impact through our pilot initiatives, and refining our approach based on feedback and evaluation positions us well to attract funding from potential donors and grantmakers.

Additionally, we continue to explore opportunities for generating revenue through consultancy services, training programs, and other fee-based services. These efforts will complement our grant-seeking activities and contribute to our overall financial sustainability.

By diversifying our revenue streams and actively pursuing funding opportunities, we aim to establish a resilient financial foundation that supports our mission of empowering communities and addressing the issue of forced marriage effectively.