ABOUT US

The Organisation for Young Women’s Dignity (TOFYWD) is a registered non-profit organisation that aims to uplift and restore the dignity of young women in South Africa. We believe that every young woman deserves a quality of life worthy of honour and respect.

Working with young women between the ages of 15 to 35yrs, GBVF and HIV awareness is provided through community outreach programmes using existing networks of community educators, peer educators, in-person, and virtual peer-to-peer support groups. The Organisation facilitates access to licensed social workers, social auxiliaries, provides referrals for biomedical services so that professional services are provided by licensed and qualified practitioners.

Training and awareness on the Eyerus GBV App, a mobile application that was designed to help keep South Africans safe, is provided in communities where women feel unsafe and need the help of technology to have security at their fingertips.

Our experienced moderators work with community educators to engage young women in open dialogue on topics such as HIV/AIDS, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), GBVF, environmental awareness and feminine hygiene with the objective of de-stigmatising, raising awareness, keeping women safe and empowering young women to remain in school. During peer-to-peer support groups, young women use their own experiences to help each other navigate challenges they might be facing based on similar experiences. This may be in the form of knowledge sharing or provision of emotional support, social interaction, or practical help.

Each person’s experience is treated as equally important, and no one is more of an expert than the other. Research has shown that peer-to-peer support can improve people’s mental health and wellbeing, meaning they have fewer hospital stays, larger support networks, and better self-esteem, confidence, and social skills.