Handbag project for abuse and sexual violence victims

An Aspen Holdings initiative

During November 2017, the Aspen Holdings Women’s Forum (AWF) partnered with the Jes Foord Foundation to challenge employees at Aspen Holdings to pledge a handbag or a kiddies bag as part of the Handbag Project. The aim was to collect bags and fill them up with comforting toys and basic toiletries that are needed by victims of abuse and sexual violence in the early reporting stages of crimes inflicted against them.

The AWF encouraged an inter-departmental challenge and the IT department was the clear victor, having donated over 115 bags. The Legal team also made a significant contribution to this very worthy cause.

The response from employees was humbling and awe-inspiring. In total, we donated over 220 bags for victims of abuse and sexual violence. The bags were earmarked for use at Thuthuzela Care Centers, Rape Crisis Centers and Police stations across KwaZulu-Natal.