In the heart of Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, a quiet revolution is unfolding, one that involves fabric, thread, and a fierce commitment to female empowerment. At the helm is Suraya Williams, the visionary founder of Design26 Foundation, a non-profit organisation stitching together skills, sustainability, and sisterhood.
Launched in 2018, Design26 Foundation was born from a simple yet profound idea: to give young women the tools they need to build a future. And not just any tools; accredited training in sewing and clothing manufacturing, opening doors to employability, entrepreneurship, and independence in an industry often overlooked.
“It’s about dignity, opportunity, and the ability to say, ‘I made this,’” says Suraya. And during Women’s Month, her mission rings louder than ever.
Empowerment with Purpose
Design26 does more than teach technical skills, it transforms lives. In communities where unemployment disproportionately affects women, Suraya’s foundation creates a tangible path to self-sufficiency. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world experience, graduates emerge not only as seamstresses but as businesswomen, designers, and changemakers.
But what truly sets Design26 apart is its forward-thinking approach. In an era where fast fashion reigns and textile waste is choking the planet, Suraya is flipping the script. Her foundation is deeply committed to sustainable fashion, embracing circular economy principles that prioritize recycling, ethical production, and conscious consumption.
“We teach our students to think beyond the garment, to consider its origin, its impact, and its afterlife. Sustainability is sewn into everything we do,” she explains.
Powered by Women, for Women
In the digital space, Design26 has found a powerful ally: Femrepreneurs, an online marketplace that champions women-led businesses across South Africa. For Suraya, the partnership is more than just practical—it’s personal.
"Design26 Foundation loves the online shopping platform Femtrepreneurs because it champions women-led businesses and creates a powerful space for female entrepreneurs to thrive," says Suraya. "By supporting local, women-owned brands, Femtrepreneurs aligns perfectly with our mission to empower young women through economic opportunities and skills development. It’s more than a marketplace, it’s a movement for uplifting women."
And in true Femtrepreneurs spirit, the platform ensures even small nonprofits like Design26, whose grassroots impact might otherwise go unnoticed—get the spotlight they deserve.
Leading with Heart and Hustle
As we celebrate Women’s Month, Suraya Williams stands as a shining example of what happens when passion meets purpose. She’s not just teaching young women to sew—she’s teaching them to own their future.
In a world of quick fixes and disposable fashion, the Design26 Foundation reminds us that real change is hand-crafted carefully, consciously, and collectively.
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