#BetterTogether
Sparrows may be small, seemingly insignificant birds; but because of their strength in numbers strategy, they are able to survive famine, droughts and large predators. Sparrow Society is built on this principle of “Ubuntu” – that we are inextricably linked and when we work together, we can go from merely surviving, to THRIVING!
Playlist
Our Mission Statement:
Working towards a more equitable society through gender advocacy, strategic economic empowerment and support for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
Moving away from the traditional relief and aid model and into a sustainable and holistic economic empowerment model, our focus is on creating dignifying and viable economic opportunities predominantly for womxn in a range of industries alongside psycho-social support in order to subvert Gender-Based Violence and other social inequalities that womxn face. Alongside strategic gender advocacy campaigns, this economic power starts to shift the mindsets in communities around the value and place of women — cultivating more equitable and safe communities for womxn to go from surviving to thriving.
Gender Based Violence is a reality for far too many women. It has been proven that when women are able to financially sustain themselves, they are less vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. By providing economic opportunities for women, we are restoring the power back into her hands to protect herself, provide for her family, and reach for a better future.
"We are not in the business of creating products. We are in the business of creating options - real options." - Kate Brim-Senekal, Founder & Managing Director
Sparrow Society’s Power Pads project is empowering survivors of Human Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence to make over 100,000 washable cloth sanitary pads for free distribution to young women across the whole of Africa. This program addresses women’s empowerment by addressing the need for financial stability for survivors to rebuild their lives free from their abuser, and the very real need of girls who lack access to these essential items (menstrual products) that will allow them to stay in school when on their periods. It weaves together women of all ages who are all in hard circumstances on their own, but who have come together to support one another.
Sparrow Society is not a traditional factory, but rather works through the creation of a network of over 150 home-based seamstresses (SewBoss), empowering women with basic business skills and a support network to allow her flexibility and ownership, while maintaining access to ongoing work opportunities and peer support to keep her business sustainable.
Developed by Sparrow Society, the YES Girl Project is an after-school program that offers a job-skills based curriculum coupled with a simple jewelry micro-business to teach valuable business skills that the girls can take with them into any industry.
Taking child sponsorship to a whole new (SUSTAINABLE AND EMPOWERING) level, the profits through the sale of each girl’s product will go towards her scholarship fund to enable her to continue her education.
Xolelwa
Seamstress
Team Leader
Kate
Founder
Managing Director
Charne
Admin Intern
Antoni
forever in our hearts
RIP 1990-2021
Rozel
PowerPads
Trainer
Teresa
Partnerships
Manager
Micealah
Social
Worker
Eva
Cutting Team
Leader
Kylin
PA
Team Leader
Catherine
In Training
Precious
Production
Assistant
Ingrid
Operations -
Manager
Kaleigh
Period Power
community organizer
Leroy
Field Logistics
Coordinator
Shireen
Packing
Manager
