Save the Children South Africa’s Girl Champion, Motshedisi Likate (Tshidi), will call on world leaders to invest in the economic emancipation of young girls at the United Nations (UN) next week. 

The UN Commission on the Status of Women, which starts 8 March 2017, will see heads of state, economic leaders and civil society coming together to assess progress made on issues facing women across the globe. 

Tshidi, who was chosen by Save the Children for her outstanding work in improving the lives of young women in her village will represent the organisation on this international stage, where she will advocate for stronger investments in education and the strengthening of access to sexual reproductive health programmes for young women, particularly girls living in rural areas.

“I am passionate about seeing young girls thrive. No matter their circumstance, all girls have the potential to succeed and fulfil their dreams. I strongly believe that when you invest in a girl, you invest in the entire community,” explains Tshidi.

Tshidi, who is from QwaQwa in the Free State, began working with young women when she was just 16 years old. Through workshops run by Save the Children, Tshidi learned the techniques of public speaking and group facilitation. She started her own non-profit organisation called Beat She Can, which aims to empower young women through workshops and motivational seminars. In total, Beat She Can has 40 members who meet weekly to discuss a range of topics including family life and post-school plans. Although Tshidi is now attending college in Vereeniging, 3hours away from home, she keeps in regular contact with her network of girls via Facebook and Whatsapp. 

The 19-year-old is in New York early this week where she will participate in various UN led engagements. On 8 March – International Women’s Day – Tshidi will engage in a Facebook Live chat along with 5 other Girl Champions from across the world.

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For more information or to set up an interview contact: Lois Moodley on 0724401519 or [email protected]

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