Founder of Girls In Real Life Situations (GIRLS), Zintle Dingilizwe, launched a Goody Handbag campaign to restore women’s dignity, after she had a tough experience growing up.
Originally from Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape, the 25-year-old Zintle who now lives in Mohlakeng said she had to move in with her relatives in Cape Town after losing her mother at age 11. Living in a shack, Zintle said it was a very difficult period. As a young woman, she did not have access to sanitary pads like other girls.
She added that this was a turning point which primarily led to the birth of her new project. Today she wants to be the helping hand to many young girls who may be in the position she once found herself in.
She said she wanted to make a difference in the lives of 1 000 women who are in need of essential items such as pads and cosmetics – to preserve their dignity and take care of themselves.
When I asked a few people on WhatsApp if they would be interested in donating a handbag that they no longer needed, they were keen,” she said. She went on to say she felt compelled to carry out the project after she interacted with young women who needed help.
“I wanted to become a change agent and make a difference in these young lives, because I have been there before.”
She said part of the concept is to inspire and motivate young people with stories they can relate to. “Most young people look up to people who are living lives different from ours. These are people we can’t relate to, but the problem is people look up to these stars, some of whom have never experienced hardships.
She added that when people are able to relate to your story, you’ll be a source of inspiration.
“Therefore, I want to be that shimmering light of hope to those who need to be motivated. We always talk about sisterhood but when we see a woman who wears a pair of shoes for the whole year, we don’t do anything about it. Instead, we shrug our shoulders and feel sorry for her. That is something that has to change,” Zintle added.
