Story of Change: TOFYWD empowering communities through menstrual health

In Johannesburg, South Africa, a dynamic leader is driving change through The Organisation for Youth and Women Development (TOFYWD). With a passion for social justice and a commitment to gender equality, this leader leverages diverse skills to address menstrual health stigma, GBV prevention, and LGBTQI+ inclusion. Their work, rooted in community empowerment and advocacy, was highlighted at the 2025 Women’s Voice and Leadership Learning and Sharing Summit, showcasing how grassroots efforts can transform societal norms.

Description

TOFYWD adopts a multi-faceted approach to create inclusive and equitable communities, focusing on several key areas. First, it emphasises menstrual health education through workshops that empower girls and women with knowledge about hygiene and dignity, while also engaging men in conversations to break down stigma. Additionally, the organisation runs community education programs aimed at preventing gender-based violence, creating a safer environment for all. It also promotes LGBTQI+ inclusion by establishing safe spaces and advocacy initiatives that ensure no one is left behind. Furthermore, TOFYWD leverages digital advocacy, utilising platforms like social media for live discussions to amplify its reach and impact within the community.

Monitoring and evaluation

TOFYWD effectively tracks its impact through a combination of quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback. Over 2,500 beneficiaries have been reached through menstrual health and gender-based violence (GBV) programs, and more than 80 men have participated in educational sessions aimed at fostering allyship. Alongside these statistics, testimonials from participants highlight increased confidence among women and a notable reduction in stigma within communities. To further enhance its efforts, TOFYWD systematically documents best practices and success stories, enabling the scaling of its impactful initiatives.

Changes that have occurred

At the individual level, efforts to improve knowledge of menstrual health among girls and women have significantly contributed to reducing school absenteeism. Meanwhile, men and boys are actively participating in dialogues that challenge harmful gender norms, fostering a more inclusive environment. At the community level, increased awareness through GBV prevention campaigns has shifted attitudes across neighborhoods, while initiatives aimed at creating safe spaces have fostered acceptance of LGBTQI+ individuals. On a societal level, advocacy for policy change has engaged local leaders in integrating gender equality into community frameworks, and social media campaigns have amplified voices surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and GBV, reaching a wider audience and promoting awareness.

Significance of the change

TOFYWD’s work is redefining norms in Johannesburg and beyond by adopting a holistic approach that addresses menstrual health, GBV, and LGBTQI+ rights as interconnected issues. By emphasising male engagement, TOFYWD demonstrates that involving men is crucial for dismantling patriarchy and fostering an inclusive environment. Additionally, the initiative’s focus on scalability through digital tools and strategic partnerships enables the replication of its successful strategies in other regions, ensuring that its impact can extend far beyond its immediate surroundings.

What contribution did your organisation make to this change?

TOFYWD plays a pivotal role in driving impactful change through several key initiatives. Their grassroots mobilisation efforts involve direct community engagement, utilising workshops and dialogues to connect with individuals on a personal level. Additionally, TOFYWD is at the forefront of innovation by pioneering digital advocacy, effectively reaching younger audiences and raising awareness on critical issues. Collaboration is another cornerstone of their strategy, as they partner with NGOs and community leaders to amplify their efforts. Notably, their contributions have already touched over 2,500 lives through education and resources, trained more than 80 male allies to champion gender equality, and influenced policy drafts through strong community advocacy.

Next steps

TOFYWD is committed to expanding its impact through a strategic plan that includes several key initiatives. First, they aim to scale their outreach efforts by targeting underserved areas in Johannesburg, ensuring that more individuals have access to vital resources. Additionally, they intend to strengthen their advocacy for policy changes regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights SRHR, GBV, which are critical issues in the community. Another focus will be the launch of initiatives specifically for men and boys to deepen male allyship and promote shared responsibility in these areas. Finally, TOFYWD plans to build youth leadership by training young women to become change agents, empowering them to take an active role in driving progress and fostering resilience within their communities.

Conclusion

TOFYWD exemplifies how local action drives global change. Their intersectional approach—combining education, advocacy, and innovation- aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5, specifically focusing on gender equality. As they grow, their model provides a blueprint for inclusive, community-driven transformation.