A woman named Nicole Jowett started creating empowering T-Shirts with catchy feminist slogans on. The shirts have become extremely popular and the proceeds go to charity.
‘T-Shirts For Change’ was created by Nicole Jowett as a way for South African women to have access to sloganed T-Shirts that empowered them through fashion. The t-shirts not only embolden the women wearing them, they also give back to charity as well. The company is now an established ‘Profit for Purpose’ business.
“Since the start, T-Shirts For Change has raised upwards of R30 000 for charity, and orders keep coming in so I predict this year to raise somewhere along the lines of R100 000 – which might not be a lot compared to what big corporates can raise and donate but the fact that its raised by people buying a T-shirt and participating in a movement is what makes it special I think.” – Nicole Jowett, Founder
The beneficiaries of the funds include Frida Hartley Women’s Shelter, Vision Afrika Education, Dress for Success, the Maltese, French Poodle, and Yorkie Rescue SA and Luleki Sizwe (LGBT+).
“This is also about more than the funds raised, customers are encouraged to take a picture of their tee and post it to social media, this starts conversations about important causes and raises awareness. Frida Hartley, for example, has seen an increase in donations, volunteers, and corporate donors since the start of the project all thanks to the social media attention so it’s quite a multi-faceted way of giving back.”
The Frida Hartley Women’s Shelter is located in Yoeville, Johannesburg. The shelter takes in destitute women and children, providing them with assistance. The shelter aims to empower women by providing accommodation, psycho-social support, employment, and training. They also provide childcare to the children housed at the shelter which allows the mothers the time to go job hunting.
Vision Afrika provides educational programmes to underprivileged learners. They provide formal teaching and informal support programmes which are aimed at uplifting the youth from socio-economic difficulties.
The Maltese, French Poodle & Yorkie Rescue of South Africa is a dog shelter for small to midsize dogs based in Johannesburg. The shelter does essential work in rescuing small breeds from puppy mills and rehoming abandoned and abused dogs.
Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organisation that empowers women to achieve economic independence. The Cape Town brand provides women with professional clothing to wear to job interviews as well as equipping them with the necessary skills to apply for jobs.
The Luleki Sizwe Foundation is fighting to end hate crimes like corrective rape and sexual assault on lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women. They also provide a safe house and shelter for victims of hate crimes. They work tirelessly to raise awareness and to end homophobia and hate crimes in South Africa.
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You can find out more about the amazing company here and support a charity of your choice, in style.
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Informative article.