15 Inspirational women have been selected for the 2021 Proteas of the Valley event and their stories are truly inspirational; we can’t wait to share more!
Paarl, South Africa (13 August 2021) – Every year, Valcare’s women empowerment initiative, Proteas of the Valley, is hosted to celebrate the women of the Cape Winelands. These are the 15 women selected to inspire with their incredible stories.
The event is now in its ninth year and is once again honouring remarkable women; from Franschhoek to Paarl, Stellenbosch and Wellington.
The Proteas of the Valley are selected for being just like the magnificent protea flower that thrives in dry and mountainous terrain, these women flourish amidst difficult conditions.
“Even though the women come from different backgrounds and circumstances, they have one thing in common: they conquer challenges to make a difference in the lives of others,” says Ivan Swartz, CEO of Valcare.
The Cape Winelands community is encouraged to nominate the incredible women that inspire them. Through the month of June and July, the nominations are worked through and the inspiring women are selected. Come August, National Women’s Month in South Africa, we get to meet the women.
“It is always difficult for the selection committee to choose only 15 ladies out of the hundreds of other women out there who are also making a difference. Our Proteas-women for 2021 were selected because they stood out in terms of their background, characteristics and involvement in the community. Congratulations to them and all the other nominees,” says Jolanda van der Lingen, Relationship Manager for Valcare.
Now we get to meet the 15 inspirational women.
“Now more than ever, people need hope. Each one of the Proteas of the Valley stories provides tremendous encouragement to us all, that despite our own challenges, we can contribute in some way to make the lives of others in our communities and country better, says Ivan Swartz, CEO of Valcare.
We hope to share some of the incredible stories with you as they are released by Valcare. For example, Alta Bester, mom of three who was diagnosed with Gallium Barre Syndrome and left paralysed from the neck down or Chané Hendricks who overcame an abusive relationship with a gang member and turned her experience into an ability to guide vulnerable youth.
These are just two of the many inspirational stories to look forward to over the next two weeks. So stay tuned! And to get involved with the 2022 event, you can reach out here.