Amplifying the Voices of Extraordinary South African Women

Since its launch in 2023 as part of lifestyle retailer Poetry’s Women’s Month celebrations, the Change Makers initiative has evolved into a vibrant network connecting extraordinary South African women who are actively uplifting and empowering communities.

The programme began with a long-table lunch that brought together fifteen women from varied sectors — each running NGOs, businesses, or outreach programmes. United by a shared commitment to helping others, they quickly saw the value in supporting one another’s missions. With Poetry’s backing, this spirit of collaboration became the foundation of a growing network where participants continue to work together, extending their impact far beyond their original focus areas.

Tailored Support for Maximum Impact

Unlike many corporate social responsibility programmes, Poetry’s approach is highly personalised. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all model, the brand adapts its support to the needs of each Change Maker — from volunteer assistance and donations to strategic partnerships. This allows for organic, capability-driven growth that maximises positive outcomes for each initiative.

Celebrating Inspiring Leaders

The latest Change Maker, Oslynn Macounie, has spent twelve years leading St. Anne’s Homes in Cape Town, a 121-year-old institution offering shelter, skills training, and pathways to employment for vulnerable women and children.

Other remarkable Change Makers include:

• Sarah Waller – Socially Gathering, building meaningful offline connections among women.
• Aurora Marcopoulos – The Cora Project, tackling period poverty and destigmatising menstruation.
• Jessica Ramoshaba – Fouura Lifestyle, promoting sustainable fashion consciousness.
• Nomndeni Mdakhi – Agenda Women, creating professional networks for women.
• Gina Bennett – Safe Study, providing secure after-school enrichment programmes.
• Makungu Valoyi – Advocacy4MentalHealth, sharing evidence-based mental health resources.

These women are redefining leadership in business, social development, and everyday life.

Broader Community Impact

Poetry also supports community empowerment through strategic partnerships like its collaboration with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, which helps tackle youth unemployment. In 2024, a national clothing donation drive provided professional outfits to young job seekers, boosting their confidence for interviews and increasing employment opportunities.

Over Christmas, the “Kindsmas” extension of Change Makers gave three leaders R5 000 gift bundles to distribute in their communities, amplifying their ability to make a difference.

A Movement with Purpose

Change Makers continues to grow through nominations from current members, ensuring authenticity and sustained impact. Poetry’s model blends meaningful storytelling with real action, proving that fashion’s social responsibility extends beyond sustainability — it’s about empowering people.

By giving remarkable women a platform, Poetry has created a movement that turns collective inspiration into tangible community change, reinforcing its vision of fashion with purpose.

For more information, visit Poetry Change Makers.