Born in Thaba-Nchu, Free State, Sebabatso Tsaoane is a young impact-driven nurse, women’s
health advocate, digital influencer and businesswoman who is widely acclaimed for her passion
and innovation in healthcare. Inspired by her personal struggles with reproductive health, she
has grown to become one of the leading women’s health voices in the world.

She is the founder of Black Woman Arise Women’s Health Clinic, a fully black woman-owned
health facility established to improve disadvantaged women’s access to quality healthcare
services. Situated at the heart of Bloemfontein’s urban activity, the Clinic is strategically
positioned to serve students, young professionals and older women, providing them with
premium care at affordable rates.

Additionally, she runs an internationally recognised non-profit organisation called Black
Woman Arise Women’s Health Foundation. The Foundation aims to promote and advocate for
the sexual reproductive health and rights of women and girls in disadvantaged communities.
It’s in Tsaoane’s heart to remove the stigma attached to women’s health through
empowerment and education. To accomplish the Foundation’s core objectives, Tsaoane has
built meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders such as the health department, local
churches and other community-based organisations.

One of her foundation’s flagship projects is the cervical cancer awareness project run in
collaboration with the Free State health department. The campaign not only seeks to increase
cervical cancer screening and health-seeking behaviour in rural communities, but also focuses
on educating leaders across the traditional, religious and political spectrum.

Tsaoane’s innovative outlook has earned her NPO funding and mentorship from the Bristol
Myers Squibb (BMS) Foundation, an international organisation that advances health equity for
disadvantaged populations around the world. Through the support of the BMS, Tsaoane has
been able to reach far-flung areas, setting up mobile clinics to provide much needed sexual
reproductive health treatment, education and care.

A bright mind with a heart surrendered to service, Tsaoane has been honoured and awarded
by various organisations. She was among the ten midwives selected from a global pool of
aspirants to participate in the prestigious International Confederation of Midwives for the
Young Midwifery Leadership programme. This opportunity exposed her to midwifery
leadership, challenges and advocacy at both local and international levels.

Furthermore, she was named among Sunday World’s Unsung Heroes as well as Heroic
Women, two special recognition projects by the newspaper aimed at celebrating brave young
people as well as women who are dedicated to social change. Again, she has been featured
as one of Inside Education’s 100 Shining Stars, as well as Mail & Guardian’s coveted Top 200
Young South Africans, to mention a few.

Tsaoane was also awarded the esteemed University of the Free State Chancellor’s
Distinguished Award: Young Alumnus of the Year for her outstanding achievements in
healthcare and advocacy. The Young Alumnus Award is conferred upon university alumni who
have transformed their communities and excelled in their careers within 10 years of graduating
from the institution. Tsaoane is also a recipient of the DENOSA Free State Marilyn Lehana
Caring Award in recognition of her innovation, care and dedication to raising the bar in the
nursing and midwifery profession.

Academically, Tsaoane holds a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of the Free
State, where she also obtained her honours and undergrad. Owing to her remarkable
accomplishments and far-reaching influence in her field, she was appointed by the university
as a Midwifery Lecturer and Practical Coordinator, a role that allows her to train and impact
the next generation of midwives.

Sebabatso Tsaoane’s story is a powerful illustration of the personal becoming inspirational.
It’s a testimony of a young woman who used her frustration with the health system to make
sure that no woman within her reach will ever struggle to access sexual reproductive health
care. Her organisation’s slogan – Heal a Woman, Heal a Nation – informs her innermost
conviction that quality healthcare for women translates into a healthier, safer, prosperous
nation. She is a millennial nurse committed to redefining what it means to be a nurse, using
social media to mobilise a new breed of healthcare professionals, nurse-preneurs and activists
with her positive messaging.