Global Sojourns Giving Circle

Mission

To empower girls and strengthen communities in Southern Africa. GSGC aims to connect, empower and transform communities; creating better futures for families by ensuring that girls have access to education and opportunities for development. We do so by providing grants to local, community-based organizations run by dynamic changemakers who provide mentorship to youth (girls and boys), with a focus on empowering girls and the ultimate goal of breaking the cycle of deep poverty within their own communities.

What we aim to solve

Women in Southern Africa are often not considered equal to men. Socially and economically, this deeply embedded bias means girls typically do not receive as much education as boys, and as they grow into women, they do not have full and independent control over their lives. With those disadvantages, young women are more likely to marry and bear children early, be the target of rape and abuse, and be forced into prostitution for a family income. As a result, the women are often unable to visualize alternatives, let alone pursue their ambitions to the extent men can. Studies show that the full and equal participation of women in society is beneficial in many ways. The lack of women’s full participation exacerbates Southern Africa’s myriad economic, governmental and social problems and makes their solutions slower and less enduring.

Mentorship Programs

We directly fund small, sustainable, well-managed organizations in Southern Africa whose programs empower and educate girls suffering from poverty or abuse. Our local partner organizations tend to be bare bones, determined and full of fresh ideas. And we rigorously research and build trust with each program before committing funds.  GSGC is not a top-down organization. We offer contacts, ideas and resources to the energetic local leaders (aunties) and their teams who do the hard work on the ground. And beyond monetary support, we stay involved through regular communication and occasional visits to program sites.