At the heart of Soweto’s vibrant community, the Jabulani Safe Hub came alive with purpose as it hosted the seventh edition of Empower Future Women Workshop, led by Classroom Buddies Organisation in partnership with JCI Sandton. The event welcomed 30 high school girls for a life-changing day of mentorship, leadership training, emotional wellness support, and practical knowledge.
Not Just a Workshop—A Lifeline
The Empower Future Women Project isn’t just about inspiring the next generation—it’s about equipping young women to lead from within. The event provided a safe, affirming space for young girls to reflect, connect, learn, and boldly claim their power.
The CBO’s initial aim is to help these young girls learn about themselves and also reach their full potential in life.
Powerful Sessions by Powerful Women
Mittah Kokong – Career Guidance & Financial Literacy
Founder of New Ground Financial Literacy | Money Coach
Mittah shared practical insights on how to plan a career, manage money, and thrive as a woman in male-dominated fields. She taught participants how to create a basic budget, save consistently, and view money as a tool for freedom and opportunity, not fear.
“Master your money, and you master your future.”
Dr. Lungile Taye – Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
Medical Doctor, Sisonke Wellness Foundation
Dr. Taye emphasized the importance of self-esteem, resilience, and managing stress. She addressed how societal pressure and silence around emotions often leave girls vulnerable. Participants learned strategies to cope with anxiety, identify toxic environments, and seek help without shame.
“Mental health is not a luxury—it’s a right.”
Thato Rhulani Mashaba – Health, Hygiene & Spiritual Presentation
Educator | Golden Key Member | Youth Mentor
Thato’s session blended personal empowerment with spiritual depth. She taught girls how to track their menstrual cycles, understand the emotional and physical risks of early sexual activity, and build spiritual awareness. Using the framework of Wholeness, Wisdom, and Worth, she challenged girls to see themselves as sacred and powerful.
“When you know your worth, you won’t sell yourself short—not in relationships, not in life.”
Ofentse Alice Moleki – Female Hygiene & Vaginal Care
Founder, Vaginal Care Initiative | Psychology Graduate
Ofentse gave an honest and enlightening talk on menstrual health, contraception, and feminine hygiene. She corrected myths around menstruation, explained different menstrual products (pads, tampons), and even demonstrated proper use. She urged young girls to choose unscented pads and be cautious with tampons.
“Sex education must start at home. Teachers may not have the time—parents do. Let’s end the silence and protect our girls with knowledge.”
Unam Benuka – The Importance of Volunteering
3rd-Year Education Student | Academic Tutor | Founder of Layla’s Collection
Unam highlighted how volunteering shaped her journey and opened doors—including her tutoring job at UJ. She explained how giving back builds skills, confidence, and connections.
“Volunteering helped me get my first job. I didn’t just build a résumé—I built a reputation.”
She encouraged the girls to network intentionally, follow the right people online, and create their own community of support.
Octavia Manyama – Motivation & Resilience
Lecturer, Tshwane University of Technology | PhD Candidate
Octavia shared a deeply personal story about how teenage pregnancy disrupted her education—but didn’t define her future. Today, she’s a university lecturer and PhD candidate, committed to mentoring young women on the power of rising again.
“People will see your mistakes louder than your growth. But only you get to write your comeback story.”
She urged the girls to define what success means for themselves and to never let one chapter define the whole book.
Organizers & Partners
The event was made possible through the leadership and collaboration of:
The Classroom Buddies Organisation (CBO) team, under the leadership of Director and Youth Advocate Christian Kayembe, worked in close collaboration with JCI Sandton on a recent initiative. The CBO team included Della Carnegie, Lebogang Maseko, who serves as the Social Media Manager, Tshegofatso Rapetswa, the Projects Manager, and the Operations Manager, Tshegofatso Mapaya. Partnering with them was the JCI Sandton team, which comprised Noel Moyo, the 2025 Local President, Sipho Mnisi, Acting Public Relations Director, and Tshegofatso Mapaya, who also holds the position of Vice President of Projects at JCI Sandton. This collaboration brought together dedicated individuals from both organisations, united by a shared vision of youth empowerment and community development.
This program plants the seeds of leadership and self-belief. Every one of these girls is going to bear fruit in her community.
More Than a Moment—A Movement
The Empower Future Women Project, now in its 7th edition, is a flagship programme initiated in 2018 by the Classroom Buddies Organisation. In 2023, the programme gained further momentum through a strategic partnership with JCI Sandton. This long-term initiative is designed to build a pipeline of confident, capable, and community-driven female leaders. It’s not just about delivering information—it’s about inspiring transformation. The workshop covers a wide range of crucial topics, from menstrual health and career readiness to faith and personal purpose, equipping young women with a powerful toolkit for life, leadership, and legacy.
“I walked in unsure of who I am. I’m leaving knowing I matter—and I’m not alone,” one participant said with tears in her eyes.
What’s Next?
- More workshops across Gauteng and beyond
- Mentorship programs connecting youth with professional women
- Youth-led volunteering projects
- A digital platform for continuous learning and community building
Stay connected through Classroom Buddies Organisation and JCI Sandton’s social platforms to join the movement or support future events.
Conclusion
This day at Jabulani Safe Hub wasn’t just about the girls who attended. It was about every girl in South Africa who deserves to be seen, heard, and equipped to lead. The Empower Future Women Project lit a fire that cannot be extinguished.
The message is clear:
They are not the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today.
About the Author
