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Prioritizing women’s health is a core tenet of (RED)-supported grants, particularly when it comes to maternal care.  At the KT Motubatse Health Center in South Africa, Yvonne Lestoab is not just a patient, but also the leader of a group of Mentor Mothers - a community network of HIV-positive moms who support and counsel one another. Upon diagnosis at the clinic, women are immediately linked with peers who share guidance and a sense of community.

Tsakane Maluleke was first introduced to Childline as a beneficiary of the program, which aims to reduce HIV incidence while increasing school retention and economic opportunity in South Africa. Poverty, gender-based violence, and lack of access to youth-friendly health services have caused young women to be disproportionately impacted by HIV. Programs like Childline directly combat these challenges by empowering young people like Tsakane through tailored education and support. Tsakane struggled with depression and anxiety as a teenager until she found Childline.  “Childline was a guardian angel,” she said. They didn’t just offer advice, but instead she recounted, “they took my hand and they walked the journey with me… they never left my side.”

Tsakane Baloyi was unemployed and searching for work when she discovered the My Journey Programme. Upon completing her certificate, Tsakane had three options - she could continue her studies, be placed in a job, or pursue entrepreneurship.  She chose the latter, citing that “I always wanted to become my own boss.”  Tsakane combined her newly acquired financial skills, energy, and determination with her father’s automotive knowledge. Today, Tsakene is financially independent and the Director at Chivite Panel Beating and Spray, a local automotive repair business she runs with her father.