IMBO Magazine Issue 33: One Love | Page 58

FEEL GOOD Founded on Ubuntu Women Empowerment The Motsepe’s felt compelled to start their foundation due to their own personal experiences with giving and sharing in their childhood communities. Given their lucrative business holdings, they realised they could afford to make a difference in the lives of others. With a little nudge from Bill and Melinda Gates, who started a ‘giving pledge’ for weathly families the world over, the Motsepe Foundation has continued to pioneer 'Africans giving back to Africa'. “The Motsepe Foundation recognises and values the power of women to bring about advantageous and progressive change to our society. “– The Motsepe’s For this reason, the foundation created a program called ‘The woman’s desk’ formulated to cultivate women in political, economic and social spheres. ‘The little black book for women’ is another amazing initiative by the foundation, providing a platform where rural and urban women are encouraged to network. The women would ideally share resources, information, ideas and share. The Aim The Motsepe Foundation’s main focus is to provide initiatives that help people become independent in order to sustain a higher standard of living. To create sustainable economic development, financial freedom secured through empowerment and fuel the amendment of humanity and dignity amongst communities. 15 years since its inception, the foundation has established a sound identity and a firm community of believers. They have continued with a gentle consistency, indicating care and exceptional standards of giving. IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14 The GRBI or Gender Responsive Budget Initiatives is a collaborative effort between the Women’s Desk, Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities (DWPD). Together with The United Nations Capital Development Fund, they push for the reviewing of polices, plans and budgets in order to make equality a priority in how women are addressed within organisations. 58