The Bear Foundation (TBF) was formed in 2011 to help survivors of violence build their confidence and realise their self-worth. It is an organisation born out of the personal struggle of the Executive Director of the Bear Foundation, Nomzamo Gcwensa, (TBF) who survived an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. She felt the need to help other women who were struggling to get back on their feet and regain their sense of self after they left their abusers and formed the organisation to combat gender-based violence. The organisation works mainly with school girls and young women both in and out of school.

TBF also works on building leadership skills in young women and girls with programmes and activities in the Diepsloot township in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Bear Foundation was awarded a grant by AWDF in 2016 as part of its 16 days of activism, a grant process that supports various women’s organisations fighting against Gender based violence. During the period, they organized a walk to raise awareness on gender-based violence in Diepsloot; they were also on the Diepsloot community radio and participated in the community dialogues that spoke to the issue of Gender based violence. The project therefore helped reinvigorate the discussions around eliminating Violence Against Women.

 

Their grassroots focus and determination to make change in young women’s lives is what makes The Bear Foundation one of our #FacesofTransformation.