Young Urban Women Movement

Our Right,
Our Safety.

The Young Urban Women Movement has been at the forefront of shaping an economy that puts people first — especially women. Their voices are not just part of the conversation; they are driving the change.

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Climate Justice

Advance
Climate Justice.

Climate change hits the poorest and most marginalised communities hardest. We fight for resilient communities and a just transition to a green future that leaves no one behind.

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Women's Rights

Promote
Women's Rights.

We champion gender equality and the rights of women and girls — because when women are empowered, entire communities thrive. Join us in breaking the cycle of inequality.

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Youth Empowerment

Champion
Youth Leadership.

Young people are the catalysts for transformative change. We invest in youth leadership, economic empowerment, and the skills needed to build a more equitable South Africa.

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Human Rights

Strengthen
Human Rights.

Democratic governance and human rights are the bedrock of a just society. ActionAid South Africa holds power to account and amplifies the voices of those who have been silenced.

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Our Focus

Thematic Areas

ActionAid South Africa focuses on four transformative thematic areas that address the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Climate Justice
01

Advance Climate Justice and Resilience

Advocate for climate policies that prioritise justice and sustainability for marginalised communities. AASA supports early warning systems, emergency response, and long-term resilience programming rooted in community agency and environmental justice.

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Women's Rights
02

Promote Women's Rights and Gender Equality

Address all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination through advocacy, partnerships, law reform, and awareness-raising. AASA supports the economic empowerment of women, including campaigns on unpaid care work and access to productive resources.

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Youth Leadership
03

Champion Youth Leadership and Economic Empowerment

Strengthen youth leadership through civic education, enterprise development, and digital organising. Young people are supported to lead transformative change in their communities and engage in policy processes.

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Human Rights
04

Strengthen Human Rights and Democratic Governance

Advance civic participation, state accountability, and the protection of human rights defenders. AASA works to ensure inclusive governance structures that reflect the needs and voices of marginalised groups.

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40+
Countries
ActionAid South Africa community work
Our Context

Why We Have
Chosen These Areas

ActionAid South Africa is part of ActionAid International — an anti-poverty agency working with poor people in over 40 countries.

Contextual Analysis

Located on the southernmost tip of Africa, spanning 1,219,912 km², South Africa is the 25th largest country in the world — with stark inequalities that demand action.

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South Africa and the World

South Africa is a powerful country on the African continent, competing with Nigeria for the status of biggest economy — creating both problems and unique opportunities for change.

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Urban & Rural Presence

With 60% of South Africa's population now living in cities, AASA works across both urban and rural areas in six provinces, ensuring no community is left behind.

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Stories of Change

Real Lives,
Real Impact

Behind every statistic is a human story of courage, resilience and hope. These are the people at the heart of our work.

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Women's Rights activists
Collaboration

Who We Work With

We partner with grassroots organisations, social movements, research institutions, and civil society alliances to create lasting, transformative change.

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Grassroots Organisations

We partner with community-based organisations working directly in the areas where poverty and inequality are most acute, ensuring solutions are locally-led.

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Social Movements

We support and amplify social movements that are driving structural change — from land rights campaigners to feminist collectives fighting gender-based violence.

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Research Institutions

Evidence-based advocacy is at the heart of our work. We partner with leading South African and international research institutions to ground our campaigns in data.

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Civil Society Coalitions

Through strategic coalitions, we amplify our collective voice and ensure that the concerns of marginalised communities reach the highest levels of decision-making.

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Government Engagement

We hold government accountable while also constructively engaging with policy processes to ensure laws and budgets serve the interests of people living in poverty.

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International Partners

As part of ActionAid International's global network of 40+ countries, we leverage global solidarity and resources to strengthen local movements for justice.