City Moms Foundation founder Ziphozomusa Nxumalo has garnered international acclaim with her nomination for the prestigious SHE awards, recognising her significant contributions to empowering women and mothers.
"I was both humbled and thrilled when I received the news of my nomination for the SHE Awards Global this recognition is a huge honour, not just for me but for the entire City Moms Foundation team,” said the Pretoria resident.
This nomination validates the impactful work the foundation has undertaken to uplift women and serves as a reminder that their efforts are indeed making a difference.
Founded as a response to the complexities of modern motherhood, the City Moms Foundation emerged from Nxumalo's personal journey, struggling to balance familial, professional, and personal responsibilities, she sought to create a community platform to support women, particularly in undeserved areas.
“I realised that many women face similar struggles, often without the necessary support. This fuelled my passion to create a platform where women could find resources, guidance, and a sense of community,” she said.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, including limited funding and societal expectations that many times undermine women's contributions, Nxumalo remains steadfast in her mission.
The City Moms Foundation recently held a successful children's book event featuring former minister of basic education, Angie Motshekga, who underscored the vital role of literacy in child development.
"This event has given birth to several impactful initiatives, including the Book Swap, where community members exchange books to ensure that everyone has access to reading material," Nxumalo said.
The foundation has also initiated a children's book club aimed at fostering a culture of reading and learning within communities.
"These efforts showcase the foundation's resourcefulness and commitment to making books accessible to all,” she said.
In addition, the foundation has launched the Self-Care and Wellness Initiative, which encourages parents to prioritise their health.
"Many parents have reported joining local running clubs and participating in wellness activities, leading to improved mental and physical well-being," she added.
Another valuable initiative by the foundation is the moms and the Law seminar, which educates parents on the critical importance of wills and estate planning.
“This seminar empowers them to protect their families' futures, highlighting the foundation's commitment to holistic family support, it has also raised awareness about the legal aspects of estate planning, ensuring that families are better prepared for the future,” she said.
Collaborations with other organisations have also enabled the foundation to promote Breast Cancer Awareness, advocating for regular screenings and education.
“The impact of these initiatives is evident in the testimonials from women who have participated. Many mothers have shared significant improvements in family dynamics and a renewed focus on self-care after attending the self-care seminar. Mothers realised the importance of prioritising their own well-being, fostering a supportive community,” she said.
For Nxumalo, the SHE Awards Global nomination transcends personal achievement, it signifies an essential acknowledgement of the resilience and resourcefulness of women-led organisations across Africa.
“This nomination highlights how African women are driving change, not just locally but on a global stage. When women thrive, societies become stronger and more prosperous,” she added.
Looking to the future, Nxumalo said she aims to leverage this nomination to further elevate the City Moms Foundation's visibility through media and partnerships.
“My aspirations aim not only to enhance the foundation's impact but also to inspire women across the continent to embrace their capacity for change Readers can support City Moms Foundation by spreading the word about our initiatives, attending our events, or making financial contributions that allow us to continue our work,” she added.
She added that she also encourages everyone to vote for the foundation to win the SHE Awards Global under the category of Social Founder of the Year.
“The support of the readers can amplify our impact beyond that, supporting women-led movements across Africa means standing behind policies that promote gender equality, providing mentorship to women entrepreneurs, and being allies in the fight for equal opportunities for all,” she said.
Pretoria News