When one woman speaks her truth, many rise with her. Our 2025 campaign celebrates the courage it takes to voice the unspoken, and the collective strength that follows. Through the stories of remarkable women and the organisations that they lead, we’re shining a light on what’s hard to say but vital to hear. Together, we rise by daring to speak.
Where one speaks, many rise.
These are the conversations we owe ourselves.
The ones we’re not having – but need to.
When we give voice to the unspoken, we rise.
Together. We rise by daring to say what’s hard to name.
Our women
Barnes is a mother of two children, one daughter aged 22 and the other daughter aged 20. When Sue first heard about the issue of young girls struggling to go to school each month because of a lack of access to sanitary wear she was devastated. With her degree in fashion design Sue decided to use her knowledge to help these girls with a sustainable option.
She set out to design and manufacture the Subz washable, reusable sanitary pad that clips directly onto underwear. In 2010 she patented the design and started by helping three schools in Durban, KZN. Word got out about the project and more schools started to ask for assistance. The project has grown since then and Sue has won numerous awards including Clarins Women of The Year 2013.
In 2014 Sue registered Project Dignity as her NPO through which fundraising is done to manufacture the Subz Pants and Pads for distribution to schoolgirls. Sue works with an established CMT factory in Durban to manufacture the product and is continually looking for ways to help improve the lives of the less fortunate in South Africa.
Links: Subz Pads | Project Dignity | Sue Barnes | LinkedIn
Sehaam is a life and business coach, humanitarian at heart, and a fierce believer in the power of truth, kindness, and purpose.
For as long as she can remember, she has been drawn to people’s stories — the ones whispered behind brave smiles, the ones waiting to be heard. She grew up in a world where strength often meant silence, but she learned that true strength lives in authenticity. Today, Sehaam helps others to break through the noise, rise above fear, and reconnect with the power that’s always been within them.
With a background in strategy, leadership, and business development, Sehaam has spent years guiding individuals and organisations toward growth that feels good - not just profitable, but purposeful. Whether it's working with an executive team, mentoring young minds, or walking alongside someone as they rediscover their 'why', she brings compassion, clarity, and a deep respect for the human journey.
This work isn’t just her profession — it’s her calling. Because Sehaam believes that when we heal ourselves, we change our families. We change our businesses. We change the world.
Sehaam is also the founder of Ignite, a mentorship group launched in 2016. Through Ignite, she mentors ten young girls from gang- and drug-impacted neighbourhoods, helping them stay in school and pursue higher education. A passionate philanthropist and advocate for human potential, she is committed to change, from the inside out.
Sally has walked a deeply transformative path after her breast cancer diagnosis. She realised that in the health and wellness industry everything wasn't as it seemed, and this led her on a radical journey of exploring health and healing myths and truths. She healed herself naturally from a breast cancer recurrence, and is now supporting women to reclaim their health, transform their relationships to their bodies and provide support through illness and treatment processes.
She believes that our health is truly our wealth, and that we have everything we need to build strong and radiantly healthy bodies that provide the foundation for us to align to our authenticity and build a life based on our unique and beautify truth.
Sally works closely with her Oncologist to guide people through their cancer journey and help them to discover all types of treatments that can assist them through this journey.
Links: Sally Wellbeloved | LinkedIn
Co-founder of the new Advocacy for Prevention of HIV and AIDS (APHA) in South Africa and a leader in the country’s HIV prevention movement for young women, Yvette is one of South Africa’s most influential civic leaders and human rights activists. She took up the cudgels in 2000 when she was diagnosed with HIV and experienced first-hand what it means to live with the virus in a region with high levels of stigma and reduced access to health care.
She has spent the past two decades on the front line, advocating for prevention education and better treatment and access to healthcare for people living with HIV (PLWHIV). A tireless campaigner, Yvette has an intimate grasp of the research and development agenda on HIV and is a member of the Global Community Advisory Group for the ECHO (Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes) trial. She consults widely on policy in the workplace, assisting organisations to create better, more efficient structures to utilise the available governmental resources to end the AIDS pandemic and has lent her expertise to prevention and awareness campaigns such as Brothers for Life, Scrutinise, Four Play, Intersexions and ZAZI.
In 2014, Yvette was made an AVAC Fellow in recognition of her work in the field of HIV prevention, policy and care at the Centre for Communication Impact (formerly Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa). She was featured in the 2018/2019 exhibition at Smithsonian Museum entitled Out Breaks (those who survive, those left behind).
Links: APHA | Yvette Raphael | LinkedIn
Dr Judey is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics.
Dr Judey gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments.
She is the founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment.
She has been able to formulate an innovative line of products that work symbiotically and synergistically, through extensive and continued research and development, to stimulate the skin’s own rejuvenation and repair mechanisms for a healthier, more ageless complexion.
Zanele Mathebula is a passionate and committed social worker at the Teddy Bear Foundation, specialising in gender-based violence. With a strong focus on psychosocial support, she works closely with women and children who have experienced abuse and trauma. Zanele plays a vital role in both advocacy and direct support, helping survivors navigate their healing journeys while striving to prevent future violence.
As an active member in the fight against violence targeting women and children, Zanele regularly engages with communities to raise awareness about GBV prevention. She conducts educational sessions, mobilizes local advocates, and fosters supportive environments where survivors feel empowered to speak out and seek help. Zanele is particularly dedicated to breaking the cycle of abuse by addressing its deep-rooted, intergenerational effects. She believes that meaningful change starts with open dialogue, early intervention, and sustained community involvement. Her work is grounded in the belief that every woman and child deserves to live in a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment.
