“Each time a women stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women”- Maya Angelou

18twenty8 is an award-winning, women-led, Non Profit Organization that encourages young women, between the ages of 18 and 28, to view higher education as an attractive and necessary tool for their empowerment. This is achieved in three ways: (1) interactive life-skills workshops for girls in Grade 11 and 12 at disadvantaged high schools; (2) a mentoring program called the Big Sister Network that matches beneficiaries to professional women for mentoring and career exposure and (3) through providing financial assistance for girls to cover the full costs of any undergraduate degree.

How amazing is that guys?!

I asked them a few questions, just so that we can get a glimpse of what they do.

Q: What does this organization stand for? In terms of their vision and mission.

A: Our vision is to produce successive generations of educated female leaders in South Africa who will not only ensure that the workforce is more gender equal and equitable, but will be equipped to tackle the many economic, social and political challenges facing our country. South Africa is a very patriarchal country and has extremely high rates of gender-based and domestic violence. Instead of young women fearing for their lives and safety, or worrying that they will be forced to shoulder the responsibilities of the previous generation, we strive to ensure that they are free to pursue their own educational and career goals, sustain themselves and become powerful leaders for change.

Q: Who is the founder and what was the main reason as to why she started this organization?

A: The idea to start the organisation came in October 2008 when, at age 28, Refiloe Seseane reflected upon the previous ten years of her life and what she had accomplished academically, emotionally and professionally since the age of 18. She felt that she would have gone a lot further if she had had someone mentoring and supporting her. So at 28 she decided to provide the support that she did not have when she was 18, to other girls. That was what inspired the name 18twenty8. Our approach remains empathetic, skills-enhancing and relevant to the young women we serve because we have experienced some of our beneficiaries’ challenges first-hand.

Q: What does being a women in South Africa mean to you as an organization?

A: South African unemployment is disproportionately young and female which leaves young women socio-economically compromised and more susceptible to exploitation of all kinds. 

Despite women being the majority in South Africa, gender representivity is still below the 50% mark especially for positions that come with a great deal of influence. For example, women account for a mere 32% of Supreme Court of Appeal judges, 31% of advocates, 30% of ambassadors and 24% of heads of state-owned enterprises. 

Women’s exclusion from economic opportunities and positions of influence reinforces gender inequality. This results in women being less able to contribute to socio-political and economic reform and from investing in their own health, education and safety and that of their children.

Q: What changes would you love to see happening amongst the young women of South Africa?

A: For young women to stay focussed on their education, careers and personal development, in spite of all the challenges that they contend with.

 The removal of “pink tax” will make a big difference in the lives of girls and women and help to improve our standard of living.

It was such a pleasure getting in contact with 18twenty8 mainly because of what they stand for…WOMEN! They’ve paved the way for many young girls to pursue what they love and also excell to the best of their abilities. Building and equipping young women to be leaders in their households, communities and even in South Africa as a whole. We congratulate their success and hope and pray they continue to do more in the years to come.

If there are any queries or you would like to get in contact with them, they are on Facebook and on Twitter @18twenty8. Here is their email address: info@18twenty8.org ( they are responsive and keep in contact).