Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for improving health outcomes. Black Woman Arise Women's Health Foundation empowers women and girls by creating safe spaces where they can access accurate health information, openly discuss their health concerns and make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Through community outreach, advocacy campaigns and health promotion initiatives, we work to break the stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health while promoting dignity, bodily autonomy and health equity.

One of our flagship initiatives is How I Met My Vagina, an annual women's health dialogue that creates a safe and supportive environment for women to openly discuss their sexual and reproductive health experiences. Facilitated by healthcare professionals, including a midwife and a gynaecologist, the event combines lived experience with evidence-based information, empowering women to better understand their bodies, navigate the healthcare system and seek care without fear or shame.

By promoting knowledge, confidence and open dialogue, we empower women to become active participants in their own healthcare and advocates for healthier communities.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa, despite being one of the few cancers that can be prevented through vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment.

Supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation and implemented in close partnership with the Free State Department of Health, our cervical cancer programme takes a comprehensive approach to prevention, early detection and health systems strengthening across the Mangaung Metro district.

Using our dedicated mobile health clinic, we bring cervical cancer screening services directly to disadvantaged and hard-to-reach communities, ensuring that women can access life-saving services closer to home. Our work extends far beyond screening, we educate communities, strengthen referral pathways, support women throughout their healthcare journey and collaborate with healthcare providers to improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment.

One of the Foundation's most significant achievements has been partnering with the Free State Department of Health to establish the first district-level Colposcopy and LLETZ Clinic in the Free State Province, at Botshabelo District Hospital, reducing waiting times for specialist assessment by more than 80%. Through the evidence-based C-CARE programme, we also trained 76 faith-based leaders, traditional healers and community leaders, who have since generated more than 1,000 referrals for cervical cancer screening.

Healthy communities begin with informed young people. Black Woman Arise Women's Health Foundation equips adolescents with accurate, age-appropriate and evidence-based sexual and reproductive health information, empowering them to make informed decisions as they transition into adolescence and adulthood.

Recognising the importance of a collaborative approach, we co-developed a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health training manual with local experts working in the sexual and reproductive health and rights sector, ensuring the curriculum was evidence-based, culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of young people.

Delivered in partnership with Genderlinks through the Voice & Choice Fund, the Foundation has delivered comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education to more than 500 Grade 7 girls and boys across three schools in the Free State, focusing on bodily autonomy and informed decision-making.

By engaging both girls and boys, the programme promotes shared responsibility, mutual respect and informed decision-making, laying the foundation for healthier futures.

Communities play a critical role in improving health outcomes. Black Woman Arise Women's Health Foundation partners with trusted community leaders to increase health literacy, reduce stigma and strengthen the link between communities and healthcare services.

Working closely with the Free State Department of Health, we build the capacity of healthcare professionals, community leaders and local organisations to improve service delivery and strengthen health systems. Through collaboration and shared ownership, we create sustainable improvements that continue benefiting communities long after individual projects have ended.

Our community care workers and champions regularly take this work to the airwaves, appearing on local stations like Kgologano FM and Motheo FM to discuss upcoming outreach events, and into schools, including a cervical cancer awareness session for learners at Grey College.

Our programmes are grounded in evidence and driven by a commitment to improving women's health through innovation and collaboration.

We conduct and support research, use data to inform programme design and evaluation, advocate for equitable healthcare policies, and work alongside government and academic institutions to strengthen health systems.

By combining evidence with lived experience, we contribute to solutions that improve healthcare access, influence policy and promote health equity, work recognised through national platforms such as the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans and Top 50 Powerful Women features.