By Taylor Smith | Community Engagement Advocate
In a crime-riddled Johannesburg neighborhood, a young girl found security in words.
The words of her mother – a single parent working to support her family, a woman who has always been quick to offer encouragement and raise up leaders in her community.
From her mother’s example, Jaime’-Lee knew she wanted to be an advocate for other women struggling to succeed in the male-dominated society of South Africa.
As a These Numbers Have Faces scholar in her final year at University of Western Cape, Jaime’-Lee is on her way to doing just that – the first in her family to graduate from college, majoring in law with plans to become a human rights attorney.
In July, Jaime’-Lee and Busisiwe, a These Numbers Have Faces alumna, were able to share their stories with a group of outstanding female leaders at an event by Dermalogica, a women-owned, internationally acclaimed skin care company with business in South Africa.
Dermalogica’s mission goes far beyond physical beauty. Their foundation, FITE, Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship, is all about empowering girls through education as a means to fight poverty and strengthen communities.
FITE recently joined forces with These Numbers Have Faces to provide financial support and mentorship to several of our students in South Africa. They even raised $11,000 for These Numbers Haves Faces during the inaugural Kaya FM 67km Relay in honor of Nelson Mandela!
These Numbers Have Face and Dermalogica’s FITE are kindred-spirits. We believe girls in Africa are worth fighting for – for the education of those like Jaime’-Lee, for their limitless potential, which we believe will transform their communities.
And because, well, Beyoncé put it best: “Who run the world? Girls.”
During a recent interview with Dermalogica, Jaime’-Lee spoke about the importance of women’s empowerment in South Africa.
“When you’re successful, that energy should be projected. It should bounce off other people and then they are inspired, and they are happy, and they can reach their goals. That’s how we become one.”
Jaime’-Lee has the kind of energy we want to be around.
Agree?
Join with These Numbers Have Faces to empower students like Jaime’-Lee.
Together, our support shows that we believe in them. We believe in the future of Africa.
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