Building on the success of last year’s impactful collaboration with Action Breaks Silence, Vukile Property Fund (JSE: VKE) is once again taking meaningful action to support and uplift women in the communities surrounding its retail centres. In partnership with local community-based organisations, Vukile is hosting a series of empowerment events to equip women with the resources and support they need to confront the challenges of gender-based violence (GBV).
Providing tangible support
From 15 February to 15 March 2025, Vukile’s Empowered Women initiative is bringing together survivors, activists and community leaders in safe spaces where women can connect, share their stories, and access important GBV resources. Through hands-on support, Vukile reaffirms its commitment to creating real, lasting change in the communities it serves.
Transformation at community level
Gender-based violence remains a devastating reality in South Africa, with statistics highlighting the urgent need for sustained intervention and support. Vukile’s Empowered Women initiative seeks to address this crisis by creating opportunities for women to be heard, supported, and empowered to reclaim their strength.
“Too often, survivors of GBV feel isolated and unsupported,” says Marijke Coetzee, Director of Marketing and Communications at Vukile. “With this initiative, we want to show women that they are not alone. By working closely with local community projects and leaders, we are driving real transformation—creating lasting change that women can feel at a community level.”
Enabling support where it’s needed most
Engagement of local NGOs has been pivotal in identifying local influencers, survivors, and activists who will lead discussions at these events. Attendees will hear powerful testimonies from survivors, gain insight into their rights, and access essential resources to help them navigate their own journeys. The initiative also welcomes other survivors who wish to share their stories, reinforcing the power of collective strength and healing.
“I have been privileged to lead Vukile’s corporate social responsibility efforts in their retail centres for the past six years, and this initiative is one of the most inspiring we’ve worked on,” says Corinne Fouché, Corporate Social Responsibility Project Manager at Mustard Seed. “The response from local GBV activists and organisations has been overwhelming, as they recognise Vukile’s commitment to addressing such a sensitive issue with care and responsibility. We know we can’t solve every societal challenge, but we can make a tangible difference by delivering real support where it matters most.”
Tools for lasting empowerment
True empowerment goes beyond raising awareness—it’s about equipping women with the tools to take action. Each Empowered Women event provides practical skills and resources through:
- Discussions on personal experiences and GBV awareness
- Role-playing exercises for safe interventions
- Community action planning to develop local solutions
- Movement sessions to uplift and energise participants
- Plus, refreshments and a light lunch included
“This initiative is about more than creating engaging events —it’s about providing real support,” says Coetzee. “By combining education and awareness with action, we’re giving women the tools to empower themselves and create a lasting impact in the communities we serve.”
Nationwide event details
Each Empowered Women event will welcome up to 150 women and girls (female attendees only). Invitations are extended through local activists and media, with attendees able to RSVP via Google Forms.
The eight participating shopping centres and event dates are:
- KwaMashu Shopping Centre – 15 February 2025
- Hammarsdale Junction – 15 February 2025
- Phoenix Plaza – 22 February 2025
- Maluti Crescent – 1 March 2025
- Dobsonville Shopping Centre – 8 March 2025
- Gugulethu Square – 8 March 2025
- Atlantis Shopping Centre – 15 March 2025
- Daveyton Mall – 15 March 2025
Power dynamics and the SA legal framework
The Empowered Women events are equipping women with essential knowledge to understand gender and power dynamics, recognise the signs of gender-based violence, and know their rights under South African law. As Coetzee explains, “True empowerment begins with education, and Vukile is committed to ensuring that women have access to the information they need to reclaim their power and drive meaningful change in gender dynamics within their communities.”
Through this initiative, Vukile is creating real impact, for real people, in the communities it serves.
