Former banker launches Elevate Her Africa to encourage dignity in African girls
After leaving her corporate career behind, Marie Joelle Kosongo has launched Elevate Her Africa, a bold grassroots initiative aimed at tackling period poverty and unlocking the potential of underprivileged women and girls across the continent.
What began as a moment of personal crisis has become a movement of hope, healing, and purpose.
On August 16, former credit risk manager turned purpose-driven leader Marie Joelle Kasongo launched Elevate Her Africa at the Protea Balalaika Hotel in Sandton, an initiative born out of both hardship and faith, determined to uplift women and girls across Africa.
Read more: Elevate Her Africa launches in Sandton
“I became ill, and I believe it was God’s way of telling me: ‘You’re done with the office. It’s time to step into your calling’,” Kasongo shared with attendees. “When you elevate her, the woman, you elevate the continent.”
Driven by a mission to restore dignity, shift mindsets, and build a generation of empowered African women, Elevate Her Africa is tackling period poverty head-on, but its reach goes far deeper. The organisation will also focus on entrepreneurial training, confidence-building, skills development, and youth empowerment.
The theme of the launch event: Restoration, empowerment, and transformation, was echoed in every aspect of the day. From the vibrant turnout, to the generous contributions from sponsors like Billitree and Zara Books, Davido, Five Senses, Protea Balalaika Hotel, and The G4 Women’s League, where Kosongo serves as president, the event reflected a shared passion for change.
One of the standout moments was the unveiling of Kasongo’s new children’s book, Little Ella Finds Confidence, a heartfelt tool to help young girls develop self-worth from an early age.
A key pillar of the launch was the sanitary pad donation drive, which encouraged guests to donate R200 or more worth of sanitary pads. “The goal is simple,” said Kasongo. “We want to collect 2 000 pads to provide 100 girls with a year’s supply. That’s 100 girls who can go to school with confidence and dignity.”
Though still in the early stages, Elevate Her Africa is working to formalise its non-profit status, and, judging by the energy and support at the launch, it’s a movement poised for powerful growth.
“This was not just a launch; it was a confirmation that when purpose meets preparation, transformation is inevitable,” Kasongo concluded.
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