The two founders of the Oasis Foundation from Carletonville were among the dignitaries who attended the G20 working women’s empowerment meeting last week.

The two founders, Thato Landu and Bongi Mphambo, have been working hard to uplift marginalised residents from around Merafong. They received recognition for their work during the prestigious G20 working women’s empowerment meeting, held from October 27 to 31. It was hosted by the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.

Representatives of 14 countries and regional leaders attended the event to revise policies on equality, inclusivity, and sustainability.

“This global meeting was a historic moment of reflection from back in the days when women were not allowed into any leadership rooms, to a moment when women lead conversations that will govern the world and protect women’s rights. The high-level panel discussions amongst the leaders proved the pivotal point that women are needed as frontiers to champion policies, and it was an absolute honour for Oasis founders to sit in the room where things are changing for people who have been economically marginalised,” says Mphambo.

The Oasis founders have done groundbreaking work advocating for the rights of youth living with disabilities in the West Rand, and were honoured to receive a message of support from the office of the deputy minister, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, ahead of the disability rights awareness month.