2020 was a very triumphal and turbulent filled year, to say the least. Many refer to us being in the same boat, but a more correct description is that we are all in the same storm. The commencement of COVID-19 has left millions of South Africans struggling to stay abreast amidst the loss of loved ones, lives & livelihoods.
It is well known that the South African economy has been negatively affected by the lockdown restrictions imposed in reaction to COVID-19. Consequently, many companies were forced to shut their doors, let go of staff, reduce salaries and the like. Millions of South Africans lost their livelihood within a blink of an eye. The alarming loss of jobs during 2020 has left almost half of all South Africans unemployed. This growing unemployment rate is what inspired Danielle Marais, a 24-year old born and raised in Gauteng, to open the doors of a non-profit organisation by the name of Walk In Freedom.
“I hate it when anyone tries to tell me that you can’t help everyone. That might be true, but the least you can do is try”. This very statement is the pillar that keeps Danielle strong-willed, courageous and determined in her dream of creating a staggering 3.5 Million female-owned businesses within the next 10 years. The organization is developed to address three key pillars through entrepreneurship after identifying unemployment, gender-based violence and a secure future for the next generation as the key areas in need of upliftment in South Africa.
Walk In Freedom focuses on creating female entrepreneurs through skill development and sponsorship of the assets needed in starting their business. As an Honours graduate in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Danielle further develops their business management skills adequate to run a sustainable business in the long term.
By creating female-owned businesses, Walk In Freedom directly addresses unemployment. In the part of combatting gender-based violence, one of the key causes of GBV is unequal socio-economic power amongst genders within households. By empowering women to own businesses, Walk In Freedom restores the socio-economic power women have in society. Lastly, as two out of three South African children are raised without their father, Walk In Freedom believes that no one can build a better path towards the future our children deserve than their own empowered mother! Our women are carrying the future of South Africa on their backs. By empowering them, we unlock the true potential of South Africa.
Having a solid foundation, an inspiring CEO (Danielle Marais), coupled with Directors Atlegang Matjila and Menanteau de Jager, Walk In Freedom aims to unleash the power the women of South Africa currently possess.
We do not need to remind anyone that 2020 was a very turbulent year, but members of Walk In Freedom look back at the year as very triumphal as it has led to the creation of the organisation which aspires to give back to those who need it the most. Please visit their website www.WalkInFreedom.co.za or find them on all social media platforms under @WalkInFreedomSA to sponsor or get involved.
Walk In Freedom. Finding Power in Crisis.
