Angela Yeung is taking on the world’s highest peak… not just for the climb but for a cause that matters. With every step up Everest’s North Side, she’s carrying a message of hope, dignity and solidarity for survivors of gender-based violence in South Africa.
South Africa (16 March 2025) – Angela Yeung is no stranger to scaling new heights, both in mountaineering and in her mission to create real change. The Brand South Africa ambassador, entrepreneur and founder of the Impilo Collection Foundation has set her sights on Mount Everest’s formidable North Side, preparing for a climb that is about far more than personal achievement.
Her goal? To collect 8,849 bras, one for every metre of Everest’s elevation, to restore dignity to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
“Climbing Everest is a monumental challenge, but it pales in comparison to the daily battles faced by survivors of GBV,” says Yeung. “Each bra we collect symbolises a message of solidarity: You are seen, valued, and deserving of dignity.”
South Africa’s GBV crisis has been described as the country’s “second pandemic,” with statistics revealing a woman is murdered every four hours, and over 12,000 rape cases reported in just three months. A number that experts believe is vastly underreported. For many survivors, something as simple as a bra represents dignity, comfort and a step towards reclaiming independence. A reality that led to the creation of the EmpowerHer Programme. Through this initiative, Yeung is using her Everest expedition to raise awareness and, more importantly, to take action.
“For me, a climb is not just a climb; it is a mirror of the struggles we face as human beings,” says Yeung. “Like the tenacity needed to conquer Everest’s North Side, a route known for its extreme challenges, survivors of GBV summon immense courage every day to rebuild their lives. The mountain reminds us of this, and the bras will too.”
Yeung is no stranger to high-altitude endurance. Her past climbs have been physical, mental, and symbolic battles, each tied to her advocacy work.
- November 2022: She summitted Island Peak (6,165m), mirroring her collection of 6,165 bras displayed at Constitution Hill.
- September 2023: She became the first South African to reach the TRUE summit of Mount Manaslu (8,163m), despite sustaining a foot injury during her descent.
- October 2024: She conquered Ama Dablam (6,812m) in Nepal, proving her unwavering commitment to her cause.
Now, Everest awaits. April to June 2025 will see her take on the world’s highest peak in a mission of endurance, solidarity, and impact.
“This is not just my climb; it’s every single South African’s climb. Together, we can transform Everest into a beacon of hope,” ends Yeung.
How to get involved:
Corporates and individuals are invited to show their support in a number of ways. These include:
- Donate Bras: Contribute new or gently used bras at designated collection points. Find details at www.impilofoundation.org.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsor kilometres of Yeung’s climb or run a bra collection drive.
- Volunteer: Become a Social Warrior to help with fundraising and campaign events.
- Follow the Journey: Keep up with her Everest expedition on Instagram @Impilo_foundation.
The climb may be Yeung’s but the impact belongs to all of us. One bra, one metre, one step at a time… we can uplift survivors and send a message that they are never alone.
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