Black Girls Rising was founded by Xoli Fuyani in 2020 in South Africa (However, it has been in existence since 2015 under Earth Child Project). Black Girls Rising is a black-led, youth-focused organisation based in Cape Town that works to empower the next generation of young women climate-activist leaders. They work with black girls and young women between the ages of 9 -18 from under-resourced communities or communities affected by environmental and climate change in South Africa, Zambia and Kenya. They prepare them for activism, education and work in the green sector through: Mentorship opportunities and, Advocacy and campaign training.
Their vision is the existence of a thriving society made up of empowered black girls and young women, from under-resourced communities across Southern Africa, who are prominent leaders in climate action, sustainability, and environmental justice.
To achieve this vision, they provide educational empowerment programs, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy platforms that support the development of black girls as influential voices and catalysts for climate leadership.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Black Girls Rising is now a recognized registered NPC and has identified diverse Board Members whose lives align with the vision and have also watched the work since the beginning.
- The organization set up a High School Scholarship Fund from a funding opportunity from Golden Girls Global, The Fielding University Douvan Award for work at the intersection of human development and social justice. Research shows that when you educate a girl, you advance a nation. Yet, worldwide, millions of girls lack the access and opportunity to go to school. To bridge the gap, they offer scholarships to selected girl leaders to increase their chances, thus breaking social barriers to equip girls to grow up healthy, educated, and independent.
- With the support of Golden Girls Global they have received monthly essential hygiene care for our girls including menstrual pads, sanitisers. As well as our monthly session for our mentee group.
GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR
- The focus for 2021 has been building a solid structure for their organization. Black Girls Rising is now a recognized registered NPC and has identified diverse Board Members whose lives align with the vision and have also watched the work since the beginning. They are looking forward to strengthening their governments, enabling them to source proper funding for their projects and expand their work.
- Expanding their offerings to 6 year old girls to give them a solid foundation in their primary education.
- Launching the organisation and hiring a team to help move their work forward.
- Long term goals are to Partner with Global Fund for Women and UNFPA.
