The event was a success! This update follows my recent post about The Sister Accord® Foundation event to commemorate the launch of its new chapter in South Africa in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF). If you missed it, here’s the announcement, including a bit about the Foundation’s commitment to girls and women. Below are the highlights of the April 20th event, including feedback from founder Sonia Jackson Myles about it.
A Celebration in South Africa
The official launch of the new chapter in South Africa took place in Houghton, Johannesburg at Sanctuary Mandela. For founder Jackson Myles, it was a full-circle moment as she hadn’t been back to the country in over 20 years. Returning to celebrate the partnership with NMF means the movement gets one step closer to helping one billion girls and women.
My intention was to spread love in Johannesburg on our special day and we did it! Everyone shared the same sentiment. They walked away transformed and committed to live their best lives. —Sonia Jackson Myles
There was plenty of entertainment on hand, including saxophonist Nkuli Buri. The emcee was Athi Rwexu, who is the South African Ambassador for The Sister Accord®, and the welcome message for the day came from Tamryn Sass of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
A big moment in the day came when Sonia Jackson Myles presented The Sister Accord® Leadership Award. The recipient was Sophia Williams De Bruyn, who is the last living leader of the 1956 Women’s March.
“Her acceptance speech was so powerful,” said Jackson Myles. “She hugged me and told me that she didn’t want to let me go! Imagine that coming from a shero and icon for the country of South Africa! It was absolutely amazing!” Also during the event, artist Kganya Mogashoa painted a portrait of Williams De Bruyn in real time.
Making a Difference
The Sister Accord® has helped numerous women and girls since it began in 2013. The new chapter marks the ability to help even more. The Foundation already has chapters in Lilongwe, Malawi, Harare, and Bulawayo Zimbabwe. The 501c3 organization provides a platform for nurturing relationships between women and girls, and it holds events throughout the year to promote sisterhood, stand against bullying, and promote health and well-being.
I asked founder Sonia Jackson Myles what she sees as the next steps for The Sister Accord® Foundation. She replied that she foresees “contined expansion across the continent of Africa, which will help us achieve our goal of inspiring 1 billion girls and women to understand and embrace their value and worth through self-love.”
Keep on keeping on Sister Accord!
This is a most needed message & celebration.
Respects!
Great to see this support!!
They are fighting for incredible causes. I truly hope they achieve their goal. Amazing.
It’s great to have your support, Cris!