Overview:
• The Sister Accord Foundation launches a new chapter in South Africa with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to empower girls and women.
• The event featured speeches, performances, and the presentation of the Sister Accord Leadership Award to Sophia Williams De Bruyn, the last living leader of the 1956 Women's March.
• With established chapters in other African countries, the foundation is a powerful force for change.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – The Sister Accord Foundation, the organization whose movement is changing the way girls and women treat, support and interact with each other, has officially launched a new chapter in South Africa in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF). The event to honor this momentous occasion happened April 20 at Sanctuary Mandela in Houghton, Johannesburg.
Festivities held on April 20 brought The Sister Accord Foundation’s mission of having one billion girls and women learn to love themselves and each other one step closer to reality.
“I’m so elated that we delivered on our promise yet again to lead with LOVE,” said Sonia Jackson Myles, founder and CEO of The Sister Accord Foundation. “The last time I visited South Africa, I was working for Ford Motor Company. Fast forward over 20 years, and I am returning to a place that has left an indelible impression on my heart and soul. I am extremely grateful for this partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which is helping us get even closer to reaching one billion girls and women.”
Saxophonist Nkuli Buri entertained invited guests as they enjoyed breakfast and networking opportunities. Athi Rwexu, the South African Ambassador for The Sister Accord Foundation, was the emcee for the day. Tamryn Sass, General Counsel at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, delivered the welcome address and said that they were proud to be partnering with The Sister Accord.
A highlight from the day included the presentation of The Sister Accord Leadership Award. Sonia Jackson Myles presented this award to Sophia Williams De Bruyn, the guest of honor and the last living leader of the 1956 Women’s March. She addressed the guests and said, “Your unity of purpose and your blessed mission to improve the lives of a staggering billion women worldwide, to encouraging girls and women, through education, to love themselves, gain respect for themselves, gain self-esteem and confidence for themselves, is a gigantic and most noble leap, which can truly manifest, because of your solid and steadfast belief in the principles of The Sister Accord and its commitments, to the three global objectives of enlightening, educating and eradicating violence and bullying against girls and women.”
Notable guests included Dr. Futhi Mtoba and Nolitha Fakude, both of whom shared words of wisdom, and artist Kganya Mogashoa who painted a portrait of Sophia Williams De Bruyn in real-time. Attendees were also treated to an uplifting musical performance by South African recording artist Carletheia.
Since its inception in 2013, The Sister Accord Foundation has transformed innumerable girls’ and women’s lives with its many programs, financial support, and beloved YouTube videos, which have amassed 55 million total views and 231 million impressions to date. The Foundation has also expanded into new territories, with chapters already established in Lilongwe, Malawi, Harare, and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.