Media Release

She Who Holds Tomorrow: The Quiet Power of Women at Girls and Boys Town South Africa

August 2025 – Behind the doors of Girls and Boys Town South Africa (GBTSA), a quiet army of women shows up every day, not for recognition, but to rewrite the stories of young people who need hope the most. This Women’s Month, we honour these women, the caretakers, mentors, role models, and pillars of strength whose work rarely makes headlines but forever changes lives.

At the GBTSA girls residence in Verulam Kwa-Zulu Natal, Wendy Gumede, a devoted child and youth care worker, carries a quiet fire. Each morning she rises, not just to clock in, but to stand together with the vulnerable youth in her care.

“What keeps me going is reminding myself why I’m here,” Wendy says. “Even if it’s one child, one youth – if I can make a difference in their life, it’s worth it.”

She has seen heartache, but also healing. Her greatest joy The smiles of young girls finding their footing again.

“Even on hard days, I believe tomorrow can be a blossoming day, a day with rainbows. That hope, and the resilience I see in the youth, keeps me moving.”

Zinhle Nyawo, a Youth Development Manager at GBTSA in Kwa-Zulu Natal, offers wisdom earned not just through years of service, but from walking the path herself. Her message to young girls dreaming of impact is bold and simple:

“Be yourself. Don’t imitate others. Speak up when you’re misunderstood, and always stand your ground.”

She believes in learning from everyone. From a child, a colleague, a cleaner. “There is wisdom all around us if we are humble enough to listen,” she says.

Saloshna, a Fundraising Manager at GBTSA’s Residential Centre in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, sees womanhood as both strength and sanctuary in this line of work.

“Being a woman here means being a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for our youth. I bring empathy, nurturing, and compassion, things our young people desperately need.”

When days are tough, she finds strength in the children who keep trying, in the women who paved the way, and in her team who never lets her carry the load alone.

“Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Every setback teaches us something. We keep showing up because the youth deserve nothing less.”

In the often-overlooked heart of the home – the kitchen – Pamela works with grace and tranquil pride. Her voice, usually behind the scenes, reveals deep wisdom.

“The kitchen is not easy, but I’ve found it to be a beautiful place of service. It requires patience, especially when there are expectations from all sides.”

Working in a male-dominated environment hasn’t dimmed her spirit. Instead, it has affirmed her worth.

“I see myself as valuable. I lead through service, and I honour the expectations with thought. That is my strength as a woman – to give, to endure, and to uplift.”

At the heart of GBTSA’s leadership, CEO Karen Farred offers this tribute:

“The women of Girls and Boys Town are the backbone of our mission. Their compassion, strength, and resilience restore hope where it was once lost. They do not just serve our young residents their food or clean bedding or career advice – they  transform. This Women’s Month, we honour every woman in our organisation who shows up not only with their skills, but with their hearts. Our children are better because of you. Our country is better because of you.”

These stories are not just about Women’s Month, they’re about every day. About the power of women who show up, often unseen, to hold children who’ve been through the unimaginable. They are not just workers. They are warriors. They are mothers, mentors, protectors, and dream-bearers.

At Girls and Boys Town South Africa, we don’t just celebrate women this August, we rise because of them.

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About Girls and Boys Town South Africa

Healing Heartbroken Children with Compassion and Care

Since 1958, Girls and Boys Town South Africa has been a sanctuary of healing heartbroken children. Our mission is to mend the invisible wounds of those who have faced unimaginable challenges, guiding them towards a future filled with promise and possibility.

 

Imagine a child whose laughter has been stifled by hardship and loss. At Girls and Boys Town South Africa we embrace these children with open arms, offering them more than just a place to stay—we give them a chance to reclaim their joy, rediscover their inner strength, and build a future they can be proud of.

 

Issued on behalf of AWARE.org by Meropa Communications. For further information, please contact: Tshilidzi Matidza, +27763061197, tshilidzim@meropa.co.za