Elevate Her Africa launches in Sandton
On August 16, Elevate Her Africa officially launched at Protea Balalaika Hotel in Sandton with a bold mission: To eradicate period poverty, inspire mindset shifts, and equip African women and girls with the tools to thrive.
A powerful new movement has officially taken flight in Africa. Elevate Her Africa, founded by former credit risk manager turned social entrepreneur Marie-Joelle Kasongo, launched in Sandton at the Protea Balalaika Hotel with a mission to uplift, edify, and empower underprivileged women and girls across the continent.
The event, held under the theme of restoration, empowerment, and transformation, marked the beginning of a grassroots movement that combines practical support, like menstrual health products, with deeper, long-term initiatives, such as mindset development, entrepreneurial training, and skills development.
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“When you elevate her, the woman,” said Kasongo during the launch, “you, in turn, elevate the continent.”
After many years in the finance industry, Kasongo made the courageous decision, in 2022, to leave her corporate career and pursue her calling full-time. She describes this transition as a spiritual awakening. “God had to put me in a position where I actually fell ill, to make me understand that I was no longer meant to be in the office. I had to step into my calling.”
The launch was nothing short of miraculous in its execution, pulled together in just under a month thanks to an outpouring of community support and sponsorship, including Billitree and Zara Books, Davido, Five Senses, Protea Balalaika Hotel, and The G4 Women’s League, where Kasongo also serves as president.
The day also marked the debut of Kasongo’s new children’s book, Little Ella Finds Confidence, aimed at building self-worth in young girls from an early age.
One of the central initiatives of the launch was the sanitary pad donation drive, with attendees encouraged to bring pads valued at R200 or more.
@caxtonjoburgnorthElevate Her Africa officially launched at Protea Balalaika Hotel in Sandton on August 16 with a bold mission: To eradicate period poverty, inspire mindset shifts, and equip African women and girls with the tools to thrive. Spearheaded by founder Marie Joelle Kosongo, this new non-profit is set to be a force for transformation on the continent. #Empower #Sandton♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
“The goal is to collect 2 000 pads and provide 100 girls with a year’s supply, restoring dignity and supporting uninterrupted education. We are looking to bless others, to pour into others, just like people have poured into us.”
Though still in its infancy, Elevate Her Africa is already in the process of securing its non-profit status.
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