Women Demand Dignity

TOFYWD — The Organisation for Young Women's Dignity — is a South African non-profit organisation founded with a burning belief: that every young woman deserves to live a life of honour and respect. They work at the intersection of two devastating issues that diminish young women's dignity across South Africa: gender-based violence and the crisis of menstrual health poverty.

Their mission is to equip young women with the skills, knowledge, and resources to reclaim that dignity. Their vision is a society where young women are truly valued and treated with the respect they deserve.

The Two Issues They Address

Gender-Based Violence South Africa has some of the highest rates of GBV and femicide in the world — with one woman killed every three hours. TOFYWD recognises that GBV strips young women of their dignity, safety, and future. Their education and empowerment programmes address the root causes of GBV, build young women's knowledge of their rights, and equip them to protect themselves and support each other.

Menstrual Health Poverty Of the approximately 7 million girls in South Africa between 13 and 19, an estimated 4 million do not have regular access to sanitary products. Poor menstrual health management can reduce a girl's school attendance by up to 25% per year — one week per month — with devastating effects on her education, opportunities, and long-term wellbeing. TOFYWD addresses this directly through awareness campaigns, resource provision, and advocacy.

What They Offer Young Women

GBV Awareness and Empowerment Education TOFYWD delivers education and awareness programmes for adolescent girls and young women — building knowledge about GBV, rights, consent, healthy relationships, and the resources available to survivors. Their approach is empowerment-centred: they believe informed young women are better positioned to protect themselves and pursue justice.

Menstrual Health and Dignity Programmes TOFYWD works to ensure that young women have access to accurate information about menstrual health, that the stigma around menstruation is dismantled, and that girls have access to the products they need to attend school with confidence and dignity.

Community Engagement and Advocacy TOFYWD engages communities, schools, and stakeholders to create environments where young women's dignity is championed — not undermined. They advocate at a systemic level for the changes needed to improve young women's lives.

Volunteering and Participation TOFYWD actively invites young people to become involved as volunteers and change-makers. If you are a young woman who wants to use your experience to make a difference, TOFYWD offers a community of action you can join.

TOFYWD is particularly relevant to young women aged 13–25 and to schools, youth workers, and organisations working with this age group. Visit their website to connect and get involved.